One week into the 2025 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars shipped running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks. The move sent the team’s last year’s rushing leader to a playoff-ready roster looking for more backfield depth and a boost on special teams under the NFL’s new kickoff rules.
More on Tank Bigsby’s Trade to the Eagles
Week 1 usage hinted at a shift in Jacksonville. First-year coach Liam Coen leaned heavily on Travis Etienne (16 carries, 143 yards), while Bigsby saw limited work as rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen rotated in.
The strategy reflected a speed-driven offense built around Etienne’s explosiveness and the development of the younger backs, leaving Bigsby in a reduced role despite a strong 2024.
The decision wasn’t about performance. Bigsby paced the team in rushing last season with career bests in attempts (168), yards (766), and touchdowns (7). But with Etienne healthy, two rookies needing reps, and the scheme trending toward more perimeter action, Jacksonville chose roster fit and future draft capital, clearing up the depth chart behind its star runner.
The league climate played a role, too. With kickoff rules redesigned in 2024 and tweaked again in 2025 to push touchbacks out to the 35, return rates skyrocketed (75.6% in Week 1 compared to 30.2% last year).
That boosted the value of physical, downhill runners who can impact field position. For the Eagles, adding Bigsby strengthens both their ground game and their ability to capitalize on those hidden-yardage opportunities.
Bigsby’s Season With the Eagles So Far
In 11 games with the Eagles this season, Bigsby has rushed for 176 yards while averaging an impressive 9.1 yards per carry. With Saquon Barkley not quite in peak form, many expect the former Jaguars back to see an increased workload in the weeks ahead.
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The Eagles sit at 8-3, but the offense hasn’t consistently found its rhythm. Bigsby’s burst and efficiency could inject some needed energy into the unit as they push toward the postseason.
On the Jacksonville side, the move appears justified as well. Etienne is delivering a strong year, totaling 815 rushing yards and five touchdowns through 11 games while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. Both teams appear to be benefiting from the decision.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Insights for Week 13
Team: The Week 12 loss to the Cowboys snapped the Eagles’ 11-game win streak in November dating back to 2022.
QB: Jalen Hurts had two rushing touchdowns in Week 12 after having two total in his previous seven games.
Offense: Saquon Barkley has rushed for over 100 yards in a game one time. He had 11 games last season with over 100 yards. Barkley’s Running Back Impact (RBi) score is 74.4 (31st in the NFL) after having an 88.7 last season (3rd).
Defense: Philadelphia had the 22nd DEFi in Week 12, snapping a streak of three weeks in the top ten.
Fantasy: The Eagles are undefeated (4-0) in games in which A.J. Brown has four receptions or fewer. Jalen Hurts attempted 39 passes and rushed seven times in the Eagles’ loss to the Cowboys last week. Saquon Barkley had 10 carries. Expect a very run-heavy game plan this week.