The Eagles announced an interesting trade yesterday evening, sending offensive lineman Matt Tobin to the Seattle Seahawks along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a fifth rounder. The move raised some eyebrows, but who won the trade? Here’s everything you need to know:
The returns:
Along with Tobin, the Birds sent a 2018 seventh-round pick in exchange for a fifth round pick in next year’s draft. The Eagles continue to re-stock the cupboard after giving up some valuable assets over the last two seasons. If there’s one thing we’ve learned that Howie Roseman thrives at, it’s re-couping draft stock and building the Eagles arsenal of picks, step-by-step.
The future:
This isn’t the first time that the Eagles have traded an offensive lineman this offseason. The team opted to part ways with long-term veteran Allen Barbre just a few weeks ago, sending him to Denver in exchange for a late-round draft pick. Tobin, who arrived in Philadelphia back in 2013, is now the next to follow suit. Just as the Eagles felt confident in a younger lineman when trading Barbre, they feel that same confidence in Dillon Gordon. The former LSU tight end has made a strong impression during Training Camp so far and looked next in line to fill the swing-tackle spot. With longtime backup Matt Tobin now gone, the Eagles are placing even more chips on the future of the offensive line.
Why the move makes sense for the Seahawks:
After George Fant tore his ACL in a preseason game against the Vikings, the Seahawks were left without their starting left tackle and with their backs against the wall. Tobin may not be the most prolific tackle in the league, but he started in 21 of the 42 games he’s appeared in as an Eagle and brings valuable experience to an offensive line that now lacks it.
Why the move makes sense for the Eagles:
The Eagles have an abundance of talent on the offensive front as aforementioned, and with the team vying for cap space, an extra $850,000 saved is certainly going to be a bonus for the cap-strapped Birds. Their starting front five now ranks among the best in the league and if the team believe the drop-off between Tobin and the likes of Dillon Gordon, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, then a fifth round pick and some cap space is more than a strong return.
Tackle depth:
With Tobin gone, the Eagles are beyond light at tackle depth. Big V, Dillon Gordon, UDFA Victor Salako and Taylor Hart, who was a defensive lineman last year all that remains beyond the starting duo of Lane Johnson and Jason Peters. It’s likely an area that the Eagles will need to address soon. If Peters goes down with injury or retires at the end of next season, the Birds will be in a tricky spot on the outside.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
