Should the Eagles be interested in trading for RB Carlos Hyde?

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars are trying to deal both Carlos Hyde and Malik Jackson.

Jaguars are attempting to trade DT Malik Jackson and RB Carlos Hyde, per league sources, two players that some believe could be productive with the right opportunities. Jacksonville aiming to strike agreements that can be processed when the league year opens March 13.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2019

The Eagles are projected to have a glaring hole at the running back position, but should they be interested in kicking the tires on the 28-year old?

For starters, there were reports surfacing at the end of February that the Jaguars were planning on releasing Hyde. Who can blame them? After trading a fifth-round pick in an attempt to desperately find production in the absence of Leonard Forunette, Hyde averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. Not only that, but the Jags would save $4.75M against the cap if they trade him before the league year.

As a result, this is probably just the team trying a last-ditch effort to cash in on Hyde before they cut him. The Eagles aren’t really in a position to take on his sizeable contract ($3.25M in 2019) right now. I know what you’re thinking, ‘how is that sizeable?’ but when you take into account that the Eagles aren’t even spending that much on the entire position right now, it speaks volumes.

In terms of a schematic fit, it’s hard to really say he wouldn’t be. At Age 28, he’s the perfect ‘free agent, prove-it’ candidate that Howie Roseman prototypically signs and prior to being traded to the Jags, he led the Browns in rushing with 382 yards and five touchdowns. Hyde arrived in Jacksonville and became increasingly frustrated at the lack of carries.

It’s easy to forget that Hyde had back-to-back 900 yard seasons as a 49er and would certainly provide an injection of aggressive running into an Eagles offense that currently lacks it. Whether or not the Birds will simply let this opportunity slide and see if he falls into a free agency pool, remains to be seen however.

It doesn’t make sense to part with an asset and then take on an unnecessary cap-hit when you could just sign him a few weeks later off the street…sort of like the entire Nick Foles scenario. But that’s another story…

With the Eagles practically meeting with every running back possible during the NFL combine, it’s hard to imagine them spending heavy at the position during free agency. At the very least, Hyde would provide some veteran leadership around what’s becoming a very young group, and at most, could be competing for the bell-cow role he has now ultimately been forced out of. If there’s ever a ‘prove-it’ candidate, it’s the OSU product…but will he get that opportunity in Philadelphia?

Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports