Howie Roseman remains one of the most active decision-makers in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles general manager has already made three veteran trades this year, acquiring running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam before the season and safety Kevin Byard this week.
Is Roseman done after completing the Byard pickup? Or does the NFL’s reigning Executive of the Year have more moves up his sleeve? Here are our suggestions for the Eagles as the Oct. 31 trade deadline approaches.
Philadelphia Eagles Trade Deadline Moves
Go After Another Edge Rusher
The Eagles have always preferred to build through the trenches. While Philadelphia’s offensive line probably has enough depth (even with right guard Cam Jurgens on injured reserve), the club could afford to add another pass rusher.
Roseman shipped a fourth-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Robert Quinn at least year’s deadline. This year, Roseman might be willing to pay the same price to land another front-seven contributor.
MORE: Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart
Philadelphia could consider longtime NFL veterans like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Shaquil Barrett or the Green Bay Packers’ Preston Smith, but it’s unclear if either of those teams plans to sell. The Bucs and Packers would also have to be willing to take on significant dead money sums in 2024 by trading Barrett and Smith, respectively.
If the Eagles want a younger option who might even become an extension candidate, they could look at the New England Patriots’ Josh Uche. He’s a pure pass rusher who rarely drops into coverage and would fill a specific role for Philadelphia’s defense.
Roseman would surely be willing to give up a fourth-rounder, knowing he could get a similar compensatory pick in 2025 if Uche signs elsewhere next spring.
Acquire CB Troy Hill From the Panthers
Linebacker is oft-mentioned as an area of need for the Eagles, but they might be more set at the second level of their defense than you might think. Nakobe Dean is considered a long-term building block, Nicholas Morrow has been a viable starter on the cheap, and Zach Cunningham is a more-than-competent reserve.
Instead, let’s look at the secondary, where Philadelphia can’t seem to find a healthy slot corner. Avonte Maddox, the Eagles’ starter inside, suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 2. His backup, Zech McPhearson, had already torn his Achilles during the preseason.
Philly then shifted James Bradberry to the slot for two games before turning the nickel over to Bradley Roby, who joined the Eagles in Week 5. Roby suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6, sat out in Week 7, and won’t play in Week 8.
Let’s give defensive coordinator Sean Desai a defensive back who spends most of his time in the slot but also has plenty of experience outside — Carolina Panthers CB Troy Hill.
The Panthers still haven’t won a game, so they don’t necessarily need a 32-year-old cornerback like Hill on their roster. He can fill in for Roby until he’s healthy and provide insurance for Bradberry and fellow outside corner Darius Slay.
Hill spent time with the Rams and Brandon Staley, who — like Desai — worked under Vic Fangio. That familiarity, shared terminology, and concept cohesion could help Hill immediately adjust to playing in the Eagles’ defense.
Explore Options for Rarely Used Veterans
Philadelphia will buy at the deadline, but a few Eagles could be dealt.
Rashaad Penny looked like he would compete to become Philadelphia’s RB1 after signing in March, but the Eagles’ subsequent trade for Swift has sidelined the former Seattle Seahawks. Penny is buried behind Swfit, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott. He’s appeared in just one game this season and played only nine offensive snaps.
MORE: NFC East Trade Candidates
Penny is only making the league minimum. He’s cheap depth, so Philadelphia may very well hang onto him. But it might be able to find a team willing to give up a late-round pick, especially if injuries strike in Week 8.
On defense, the Eagles are open to trading edge defender Derek Barnett, as Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported on Friday. Barnett was permitted to seek a trade over the summer but eventually accepted a pay cut to stay in Philadelphia.
Contenders always need plenty of pass rushers. But if the Eagles pick up another option like Barrett, Smith, or Uche, Barnett will become expendable.
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