The NFL’s trade deadline of 4 p.m. on Tuesday is rapidly approaching and you can bet Howie Roseman is working the phones.
Now, it takes two to tango and just because Howie wants to make a move, it doesn’t mean one will materialize. But we know Roseman is aggressive and we know the Eagles could use another player.
It’s also pretty clear Doug Pederson wouldn’t be opposed, saying if trading for a player will help, they’ll “stay aggressive.”
Let me just say this, that I’m very confident and comfortable with the guys we have. Very confident in those guys, with this group. We’re constantly looking. If we can add value, if we can add talent anywhere on the team, we’re going to look at that, Howie’s going to look at that. We’ll see. We got a little time here these next couple of days. If it values the Eagles and helps us win some games, we’ll see.
I actually believe that Doug is confident and comfortable with his guys, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t want another key piece, especially one to help jump start an offense that hasn’t lived up to expectations.
One of the most interesting bits of Pederson’s press conference on Monday came when he was asked if injuries play a role in the decision to make a trade. He said the two main keys for a trade are:
1. The player has to be a good character fit
NFL
2. The player “has to fit what we do offensively”
Maybe Pederson misspoke or maybe he tipped his hand. It would make sense if the Eagles are focused on offense as this trade deadline approaches. Even with Carson Wentz playing at a ridiculous level, the Birds are averaging just 22.3 points per game, down from over 28 in 2017. At the midway point of the season, 20 teams are averaging more points per game.
The two biggest holes offensively are probably wide receiver, specifically one who can stretch the field, and a running back. I’d put a speedy receiver as their biggest need as the deadline approaches.
What makes that comment about an offensive player even more interesting is the fact that Pederson said he and Roseman have direct communication and they’re on the same page when it comes to the roster and possible needs. While it’s tough for the coaching staff to watch film of potential trade candidates during the season, when Roseman has a few names, they find time to take a look.
“We look at our roster and if it’s an area that can help us win games for these next eight weeks and then hopefully beyond,” Pederson said, “we’re going to maintain that aggressiveness. Just like we did with Jay (Ajayi) a year ago. And it helped us win a championship. That’s all part of this process.”
The part about a player helping “beyond” the rest of this season jibes with a report the Eagles offered up a second-round pick for Amari Cooper. A player that’s more than a rental is more valuable. Last year, the Eagles got Jay Ajayi for a fourth-rounder knowing they’d have him for two seasons.
Would the Eagles have won the Super Bowl without Ajayi last year? Maybe, but he certainly helped. The Eagles were aggressive last year around this time and it paid off. If they can pull the trigger again, they’re going to.
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