The NFL season never ends. Fresh off of missing out on Aaron Rodgers heading back to Green Bay, the Denver Broncos traded for Seahawks superstar QB, Russell Wilson.
The move highlights other organizations as the Seahawks enter an expected rebuild, the NFC Gets weaker and the AFC West becomes the best division in football. It also indirectly highlights the Eagles and their commitment to current QB Jalen Hurts. The full compensation is listed below.
Here’s what it means for Philadelphia.
Trust in Hurts
With both Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers now solidified on their positions, it’s more and more likely the Eagles will be keeping Jalen Hurts as their starting QB for the 2022 season. The Eagles have spent all offseason confirming their defense of Jalen Hurts and pledge to get players to build around him, but with reports coming out about the team’s interest in a top QB, the Wilson to Denver trade clearly shows the Eagles were truthful about their demeanor.
While the Hurts still have multiple things he needs to improve on such as accuracy and footwork, but the franchise clearly views him as a young player who will only get better.
Of course, there is still one more QB domino still to fall with Deshaun Watson. However, Watson’s legal status clearly indicates the franchise is comfortable to wait until that is more decided.
Eagles roster isn’t ready….yet
Howie Roseman was quoted in being careful to both balance future assets to build a team, while still maintaining an aggressive approach. The Eagles not trading for Wilson, or at least matching Denver’s offer tells that 1. Roseman felt this was an overly aggressive overpay and 2. the franchise did not have the necessary players in place to be one player away. The Broncos traded away multiple top 64 picks, AND good players. Noah Fant and Shelby Harris are very solid pieces on the roster that are only considered added pieces to Denver.
Philadelphia doesn’t have the kind of roster to trade away good players on top of draft picks to open a Super Bowl window.
Time will obviously tell if Roseman was correct in not making a move, but it’s evidently clear he doesn’t view the Eagles roster close to Denver’s. Denver was a QB away, Philadelphia isn’t.
Philly can still make a deal with Seattle
Just because the Eagles missed out on Russell Wilson, doesn’t mean they are done trading with Seattle.
Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and many other players are expected to now be on the open market. Philadelphia clearly has needs at LB, WR and other positions that Seattle sees as a strength. Philly could theoretically improve the roster while not giving up anywhere close to the amount for a QB like Wilson.
The NFC is Wide Open
The Rams and Packers are still the team to beat in the NFC. However questions surround San Francisco, Arizona, Minnesota and other middling teams like the Eagles. With a top QB now out of the conference, it opens the door more for Philadelphia to improve as an overall team, while still competing for playoff and championship wins.
With three first round picks, flexible cap space, and an aggressive front office, the Eagles are now in a position to be a top team in the NFC.
Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
