The Philadelphia Eagles’ trade of Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz ahead of Week 6 changes the dynamics for general manager Howie Roseman and Co. moving forward on the season.
Philadelphia now finds itself at 2-4 and three games out of first place in the NFC East. The team appears to be going nowhere fast with struggling quarterback Jalen Hurts under center.
There’s, however, some good long-term news on this front. By virtue of their pre-draft trade with the Miami Dolphins last spring, the Eagles would currently have the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. They are also now likely to nab the Indianapolis Colts’ first-round pick in 2022 following the Carson Wentz blockbuster.
Right now, it makes more sense for Philadelphia to move off some veterans in deals ahead of the November NFL trade deadline. Here’s a look at four players who could net the Eagles even more draft capital.
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Philadelphia Eagles trade Jason Kelce
There’s certainly contending teams who would take a chance on this four-time Pro Bowl performer. Even at 33, Kelce continues to play at a high level. He earned All-Pro honors back in 2019 and made his fourth Pro Bowl last year. For Philadelphia, netting another valuable pick in exchange for someone who doesn’t fit its long-term plans could make sense.
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In terms of potential destinations, we’d have to start with the two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie center Creed Humphrey has struggled to an extent over the first six weeks of his career. General manager Brett Veach isn’t afraid to make that blockbuster move. Also, it would be pretty cool to see Jason join his brother, Travis, in Kansas City as he finishes up shop on a stellar career.
Philadelphia Eagles trade Fletcher Cox
A mainstay with the Eagles over the past decade, it might finally be time for Fletcher Cox to move on to a contending team. He’s earned six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and continues to play at a high level. At issue here is Cox’s current contract, which will pay him a base salary of $16.1 million next season. Flush with a younger Javon Hargrave to lead the interior of Philadelphia’s defensive line, it also makes sense for the team to move Cox.
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Pretty much limited to a 4-3 defensive scheme, it might be hard for the Eagles to get fair-market value in a trade. That complicates things. However, a move to a team like the Los Angeles Chargers could make sense. Despite their 4-2 record, the Chargers have yielded the most rushing yards in the NFL. They have also struggled getting pressure on the quarterback from the interior of their line. Perhaps, Philadelphia bites if Los Angeles offers up a third-round pick and change.
Philadelphia Eagles trade Darius Slay
Acquired from the Detroit Lions in March of 2020 for two mid-round picks, the time might be right for Philadelphia to sell high in this 30-year-old veteran. At this point, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles being legitimate playoff contenders with Slay still in his prime. A “friendly divorce” for both sides makes sense.
The three-time Pro Bowl performer is still playing at a high level. Thus far this season, Slay has recorded two interceptions while yielding a sub 60 passer rating when targeted. There’s every reason to believe that the Eagles could net a second-round pick and change for the veteran cover guy.
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Philadelphia Eagles trade Joe Flacco
The acquisition of Gardner Minshew changes things for Philadelphia. Even if Hurts were to be benched at some point during the season, there’s no reason for Philadelphia to trot out this former Super Bowl quarterback. He has no long-term future in the City of Brotherly Love.
Even if it is for a late-round pick, why not move off Flacco and insert Minshew as QB2 behind Hurts? The Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks are all dealing with injuries to their starting quarterbacks. Look for something to potentially come to fruition on this end before the NFL trade deadline.
