Eagles Sign League's Worst Tight End...

...or running back.

Ok, so look, you can't put too much stock in statistics, guys fit different systems, etc., etc.  But one of the first things I always do after the Eagles sign a new free agent is to head over to Football Outsiders to see how they've performed in the past. 

So I called up the page of tight ends and did a search for "Wilson" and ... nothing came up.  Which is weird, since the guy caught 24 passes last year, well more than enough to qualify for their ratings.  So on a hunch I checked out the running backs page and did the same search.

And there he was.  List as the 58th-best running back who was targeted with at least 25 passes.

Only 58 guys were ranked.

But maybe that's because he's misclassified.  What if you compare him to tight ends instead?  In that case, he'd only be ranked 43rd among guys with at least 25 targeted passes.  Which yes, is also dead last.

I realize Tony Gonzalez is an All-Pro, but here's a comparison using FO's stats for the Chiefs two tight ends last season:

On the plus side, he was only slightly worse than Matt Schobel in 2006. 

I'm a little less excited about this signing than I was two hours ago when I heard we signed a former second-round pick... 

Comments

[Tracer Bullet]

My guess is that they signed Wilson to provide more blocking for McNabb and Westbrook, not to catch. Or they signed him to light a fire under Schobel's underperforming ass.

[Coatesvillain]

I believe he was brought in more or less for what he'll be able to do on special teams. Adding the likes of Klecko, Boiman, and Wilson in recent weeks means the Eagles add experienced special teamers with size. We know the coverage units need all the help possible.

I think he's a solid option as a TE, or at least he was in college, but you'll never expect him to start. As a #3 TE I like what he'll be able to bring to the table. The versatility also helps.

[BGNJason]

Talking with some Chiefs fans, it seems like this guy played RB/FB exclusively last year.

[savyfan]

Schobel is a way better blocker in their scheme than any other. Not to mention that the guy is quick with hands. L.J. Smith is not the end all be all and with McNabb needing targets he ought to befriend the white tight end with hands