Howie Roseman has made decisions that have frustrated almost every Eagles fan over the years. Misses on draft picks, overpaying aging players, and questionable salary cap moves. But if there’s one area where the GM has always excelled consistently, it’s getting the most out of offseason trades.
And would you look at that, he’s gone and done it again with his latest doozy.
On Monday afternoon, the Eagles and New Orleans Saints made a massive trade that sent two of the three first-round picks previously acquired, for a treasure-trove of assets that the team can use.
Full details of the move are below:
The Eagles essentially received a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick in the upcoming three drafts for the 16th overall pick. To put it lightly, Howie Roseman has gone out and fleeced the Saints and their future draft capital. And everyone is loving it.
To be fair, it’s never possible to tell who is the winner and loser of a trade when draft picks are involved until all picks are made. But in terms of overall value, the Eagles have maintained ultimate flexibility in the next few drafts and keep their eyes on the QB position once more.
The Eagles have been very strong on their defense of Jalen Hurts, and the belief he can be a good starting QB. The smart move after a playoff appearance was to give Hurts another season to grow and develop, while continuing to keep an eye on the rookie QB classes. By pushing a first-round pick to next year, the Eagles can remain patient with Hurts, while also understanding if he doesn’t improve enough, a rookie QB with higher upside could be waiting in the wings in a much deeper QB class.
For the Saints, the team clearly feels that they are just a few pieces away from contending in a weak NFC. While most expect the team to potentially package the picks to move into the top 10 for a QB, there are no guarantees that any QB in this weak class will be ready to start Week One. And with the losses of their starting safeties and LT, the Saints have holes on the roster for a team that didn’t even make the playoffs last season.
To get two first-round picks is one thing. To get a QB on a team with a lot of holes is another. And if they don’t take a QB and go WR, LT (as many predict), the Saints will have mortgaged the future on positions that are extremely replaceable in the NFL. So either way, the Saints have pinned their future on a rookie prospect QB, and expect to be bad next season which will only help the Eagles next season. Or they go best player available, still not be good enough to beat the Bucs, and watch Jameis Winston struggle…further helping Philly.
Either way, it’s clear that it’s highway robbery for Howie Roseman once again. And a win-now move for the Saints that might not even pan out.
The Eagles’ future has just gotten even brighter.
Oh, and they still have two first-round picks this year.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
