Following a dominant showing by the Philadelphia Eagles in a 37-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the team appears to be heading in the right direction. Therefore, could the Eagles be buyers at this year’s trade deadline?
In the second edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss potential trade targets, Cooper DeJean’s future role in Philadelphia and much more regarding the current state of the team.
@Michael93826345 asked, “Who are some dream and realistic trade targets?”
The dream targets for the Eagles at this year’s trade deadline are obvious at this point. Cleveland Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett and Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby are in a league of their own. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like either player will be available for trade in 2024.
It’s also worth noting that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman usually makes relatively small trades during the trade deadline. Roseman saves his blockbuster deals for the offseason, such as the trade for A.J. Brown.
Therefore, here are players that I’ve got my eye on for the Eagles as realistic targets at the trade deadline:
- Kendrick Bourne, WR, Patriots
- Greg Dulcich, TE, Broncos
- Divine Deablo, LB, Raiders
- Za’Darius Smith, EDGE, Browns
- Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Panthers
- Andre Cisco, S, Jaguars
@LittonDakota asked, “Do you think the Eagles should shop Darius Slay and/or James Bradberry with the trade deadline nearing?”
Despite many being upset with Darius Slay for what he has done or said off the field this season, he is still playing at a high level. Therefore, I don’t believe that it is likely he will be moved at the trade deadline.
Given the structure of Slay’s contract, it would make more sense to move on from him in 2025. The Eagles would be taking a significantly lower dead cap hit if they waited until the offseason to trade or release Slay.
In regards to James Bradberry, he is still eligible to be traded despite being on Philadelphia’s injured reserve list. The NFL changed the rules in 2018 to allow players on IR to be traded. The Eagles should surely consider any potential offer for Bradberry, given the team’s secondary depth, they can afford to move on from him at the trade deadline.
@DPK1012 asked, “At what point do they finally realize during their game planning sessions that their first 10-15 scripted plays aren’t working?”
It’s quite impressive that the Eagles are 5-2 despite being unable to score in the first quarter thus far. The Eagles scored on their first possession in Week 8, yet the Bengals chewed up so much clock that Philadelphia technically didn’t score until the second quarter.
Philadelphia’s opening scrip on offense clearly isn’t working but they showed improvement against the Bengals. After leaning on the passing attack far too much in opening drives, the Eagles actually ran the ball more in their first possession in Cincinnati.
Saquon Barkley had four carries for 22 yards on Philadelphia’s opening possession. If it wasn’t for a holding penalty on Tyler Steen, Philadelphia likely would have scored a touchdown on their first drive in Week 8.
Therefore, while the results on Philadelphia’s opening possessions to start the regular season were discouraging, the team appears to be heading in the right direction moving forward.
@fullyspectrumed asked, “Looking past this year, do you think the Eagles will want to try Cooper DeJean outside or is this his forever home?”
Cooper DeJean was a fascinating prospect to evaluate ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. While many were concerned about his ability to play outside cornerback, I focused on all of the great characteristics that he brought on the field.
DeJean felt like a player that every team would want to bring in their building and then figure out where he would play afterwards. In regards to his fit in Philadelphia, I said from the beginning that his best role would be as the team’s starting slot cornerback.
Sure enough, DeJean has thrived in that role since becoming the full-time starter in Week 6. The slot cornerback role is becoming more important with each passing season in today’s NFL. Therefore, I think DeJean should stay in that position, while Kelee Ringo could get a look at outside cornerback in future.
@MrEd315 asked, “What letter grade would you assign to the Eagles for their efforts and results so far? If so inclined, break it down by management, coaching, offense, defense and special teams?”
It’s quite remarkable how much can change in a few weeks in the NFL. If you asked me this same question at the start of October, my answer would have been drastically different.
Yet here we are with the Eagles riding high on a three-game winning streak, including two dominant performances on the road. Here is my report card for those five areas that you mentioned this season:
- Management: A
- Coaching: B-
- Offense: B
- Defense: B+
- Special teams: C
@CMPXMV asked, “Assuming the big bad wolf of the NFC are the Lions, what do you think are our chances of beating them?”
The Lions certainly feel like the team to beat in the NFC right now. They are relatively healthy, outside of the Aidan Hutchinson injury, and they are dominating teams nearly every week.
Despite their hot start, it’s also worth noting that they have played a few close games this season as well. The Lions needed overtime to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and needed a game-winning field goal to beat the Minnesota Vikings.
So while Jared Goff is playing an MVP-caliber level and the Lions are loaded with talent, they are still beatable. The Eagles have enough talent to go toe-to-toe with any team in the NFL. It will all come down to coaching, execution and which team is the healthiest come playoff time.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
