Eagles to check out TE Shiancoe

The Eagles will host tight end Visanthe Shiancoe Tuesday, according to a report by Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

Shiancoe, 32, was a full-time tight end last year, playing 76.3 percent of the Vikings’ snaps, per Pro Football Focus. He was used as a blocker about 52 percent of the time and went out into pass routes 48 percent of the time. Shiancoe finished with 36 catches for 409 yards, averaging 11.4 yards per reception and scoring three touchdowns.

In the past, he’s been an even more productive receiver. In 2008, Shiancoe caught 42 balls for 596 yards, averaging 14.2 yards per catch. The following year, he had 56 catches for 566 yards to go along with 11 touchdowns – all of which were scored in the red zone. Last year, Shiancoe (6-4, 250) had three scores inside the opponent’s 20.

As for the Eagles, Brent Celek was outstanding in the final 10 games of last season and has a stronghold on the starting tight-end spot.

I talked to tight ends coach Tom Melvin today, and he said Clay Harbor was hurt with last year’s shortened offseason, pointing out how important that time is for rising second-year players. Harbor played in 33.6 percent of the Eagles’ snaps last season, but only caught 13 balls for 163 yards.

Brett Brackett, an undrafted free agent in 2011, could also be in the mix.

But Shiancoe would likely be brought in to push Harbor for playing time, and if the Eagles think he can still be a pass-catching weapon, they could employ more two tight-end sets.

EAGLES WORK OUT PUNTERS

The Eagles also worked out four punters today: Brad Maynard, Matt McBriar, Chris Bryan and Jason Baker.

They currently only have second-year player Chas Henry on the roster and are likely looking to bring someone in to compete with him. Last week, they released punter Ryan Tydlacka.