Eagles’ Trade Deadline Plans Revealed by…
On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke about his team’s intentions leading up to the trade deadline. While Detroit appears to be on the verge of a deal aimed at addressing the edge rush, the Eagles seem to be more content with their current roster.
“I love the team that we have,” head coach Nick Sirianni said when asked about Philadelphia’s deadline plans (video link). “And I think this team is really coming together. With that being said, I know we’re always looking for ways to improve our team. I know [general manager] Howie Roseman is the best at that… I admire that and value that of how he goes to work there.”
Indeed, Roseman has a reputation as one of the league’s most active general managers, so Sirianni’s comments certainly do not dismiss the possibility of a move being made. The Eagles lost two of four games prior to their bye week, but since then they have reeled of three consecutive wins. Topping the NFC East is therefore a distinct possibility as things stand, especially if further injuries on the offensive side of the ball can be avoided.
Philadelphia currently sits seventh in both total and scoring defense, and the recent return of second-year safety Sydney Brown has provided additional depth in the secondary. One area which could be targeted is the team’s pass rush; the Eagles have amassed 20 sacks through seven games, which places them in the bottom half of the league. Free agent pickup Bryce Huff has only managed 1.5 sacks and five pressures so far, production short of what he was expected to deliver upon signing a deal worth just over $17MM per year.
Za’Darius Smith of the Browns looms as a trade target along the edge, although his strongest connections have been with the Lions so far. If the Pro Bowler is not an option for Philadelphia, another veteran like Jadeveon Clowney of the Panthers could be of interest. With just over $10MM in cap space, the Eagles can afford a modest midseason acquisition if one becomes feasible.
