The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up an intense week of shared practices with Thursday’s night opponent, the New England Patriots. Following a win last week in the preseason opener, Philly enters the game looking to build upon the skeleton structures that new coordinators Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio have installed on their respective sides of the football.
After a disappointing finish to last season that we don’t need to relive here, the Philadelphia Eagles have returned to the gridiron with a resilient focus since the first snap of training camp this season. With a brand new season on the horizon, Philadelphia can officially move on from that kerfuffle and return to the championship-caliber team that the Delaware Valley Bleeds for.
In advance of tonight’s preseason matchup, here are some buy or sell candidates to watch for during the second tune-up game on the Eagles’ calendar.
BUY – Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
The Philadelphia Eagles cornerback made some waves when checking out a copy of Madden 25 earlier this week with a viral video on TikTok showing the defensive back with no hair. I suppose you can’t blame the Madden development team for the “early premature baldness” as Rodgers put it after the cornerback spent last season on the reserve/suspended list.
The silly social media jokes aside, Isaiah Rodgers has come to Philadephia to play this preseason with a chance to win a starting position after a year away from the game.
SOLD – Matthew Judon (to Atlanta)
Ok – this one isn’t exactly fair, but it was too good to pass up. Yesterday the New England Patriots sold Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2025 third-round pick. The four-time Pro Bowler only played 4 games last season due to injury but racked up a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022. The new Falcon’s linebacker is in the final year of a $6.5 million contract. I wonder if Saquon Barkley played a role in that decision this week:
BUY – Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Liam Jenkins covered Jeremiah Trotter Jr. well in his 5 players to watch for tonight’s preseason clash article.
When provided the opportunity to put on the pads and smash players with a different color jersey, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. showcased the abilities that led to the Eagles selecting him as a fifth-round choice. Trotter Jr. scored solid marks from Pro Football Focus in 2022 and 2023 for his work at Clemson.
The 21-year-old will get a solid opportunity to impress the Eagles’ coaches tonight in New England with limited (if any) reps available for the starting defense at Gillette Stadium
SELL – Parris Campbell
Free Agent wide receiver Parris Campbell joined the squad on a one-year contract joining his buddy Saquon Barkley in the move south from the New York Giants. The 2019 second-round pick has dealt with injuries during camp which has limited the chance for coaches to see how the 6-foot-1 wideout fits in the system. Perhaps Nick Sirianni saw everything he needed to when coaching Campbell in Indianapolis during his rookie and sophomore seasons in the NFL.
With a crowded Eagles’ wide receiver room, Campbell could be on the outside looking in when the roster is shaved to 53 players on August 27.
BUY – Kenny Pickett (pretty please, Minnesota?)
If there was ever a night for the Philadelphia Eagles backup QBs to shine, August 15, 2024, would be that night. No one Minnesota Vikings GM Kewsi Adofo-Mensah knows what he will pivot to following the stunning knee injury to 10th overall pick, J.J. McCarthy.
With Tanner McKee showcasing he be a solid developmental option behind Jalen Hurts in 2024, Kenny Pickett could have the opportunity to present himself as a solid trade candidate for the vacant Minnesota starting quarterback job. Whether or not the Vikings want to travel that path with Pickett is unknown, however, they could be enticed with a prior two-year starter with 4,400 NFL passing yards under his cleats.
SELL – Cooper DeJean
While it’s unfortunate timing for the second-round pick, Cooper DeJean enters practice halfway through his introductory camp. Dejean confirmed to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia that the timing of the injury was not ideal:
“I was pretty upset,” DeJean said. “I obviously wasn’t able to start my first NFL camp. But rehab has been good. Trainers have been doing a great job, helping me get back. Don’t want to rush something like this. It’s a long season. But rehab has been going well.”
If healthy, DeJean should have been in the rotation for the nickel position as well as the ultra-competitive outside corner position. It will be up to the 21-year-old to get up to speed giving another unique element for Vic Fangio to insert into his defense.
The Philadelphia Eagles battle the New England Patriots in their second preseason game tonight at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, New England. No halftime ceremony for Tom Brady this trip toward Boston, Mass. this time. A feisty preseason battle is on tap between players doing their best to earn a prestigious roster spot for a memorable international trip to Brazil with their flock of birds.
Which Eagles player are you buying or selling?
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
