Current Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek is beloved amongst fans and rightfully so. Celek is one of the best—though underrated—tight ends in the NFL. He is also among the best tight ends in Eagles history and, in 2011, quietly ranked alongside Pro Bowl tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham.
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If reports are true, Celek may find himself ranked alongside Gronkowski once again, this time as a member of a lethal tight end duo of his own in Philadelphia.
According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, former Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is scheduled to visit the Eagles on Tuesday.
TE Visanthe Shiancoe, who had a visit with the Pats last week, will visit the Eagles on Tues. One of the best free agents still on market
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 23, 2012
Much like Celek, Shiancoe is a well-rounded tight end with desirable ability in blocking and receiving situations. He is one of the most reliable tight ends in blocking situations and has proven to be a capable red zone threat in the past as well with 18 touchdowns from 2008 to 2009.
Shiancoe has seen two consecutive down years following the departure of Brett Favre in Minnesota. However, combining the 6’4” tight end with Celek—who finished 2011 with 62 receptions for 811 yards and five touchdowns—provides quarterback Michael Vick with a plethora of options alongside Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and LeSean McCoy in the passing game.
As the NFL deviates towards two-tight end sets with athletically-gifted players manning each role, the addition of Shiancoe could formulate an unstoppable offensive assault across the middle similar to last season’s Patriots.
While Celek would likely prevail between the hash marks, Shiancoe’s speed, size and athleticism would give the Eagles a vertical threat in mismatch situations and a red zone target the team currently lacks. On the plus side, the ten-year veteran would also come for a cheap price, leaving little risk and plenty of reward for Philadelphia.
With an offense already loaded with firepower, the possibility of adding Shiancoe to the roster could give the Eagles one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL.
Louis Musto writes on the NFC East, NFL in general and pop culture at GridironGrit.com. Follow @LouisMusto and @GridironGrit on Twitter!
