Posted August 22, 20241 yr Three trades that make sense for the Eagles The Eagles need a WR3. These hypothetical trades could land them one. By Jimmy Kempski PhillyVoice Staff Trevor Ruszkowski/USA TODAY Sports Colts WR Alec Pierce If you look back at Howie Roseman's trade history during training camp, he tends to make deals near the end of August and the beginning of September. With that in mind, everyone loves a nice hypothetical, "throwing darts" type of unlikely to actually happen "trades that make sense" post, right? Cool. Let's do one of those, and thanks for the clicks. Eagles OL Tyler Steen to the Colts for WR Alec Pierce Why it makes sense for the Eagles: The Eagles very clearly need a WR3, as detailed here. Pierce was a Colts second-round pick in 2022, who got drafted highly because of his impressive blend of size and athleticism: In two seasons, Pierce has 73 catches for 1107 yards and 4 TDs. He is a low-volume receiver, but he averages a lofty 15.2 yards per catch. He got a lot of cardio in 2023, via NFL.com: Colts receiver Alec Pierce spent most of his Sundays last season essentially doing wind sprints to nowhere. In 2023, Pierce ran 605 routes, per Pro Football Focus, eighth-most in the NFL, but saw just 65 targets, catching 32 passes for 514 yards with two touchdowns. Many times, Pierce would jet downfield only to see the ball go elsewhere. So basically, his role was similar to Quez Watkins' role last season, except Pierce made more of the plays that came his way. Steen lost his battle with Mekhi Becton for the starting RG job, and the Eagles have other depth pieces along the interior of their offensive line to choose from in Trevor Keegan, Dylan McMahon, Brett Toth, Nick Gates, and Darian Kinnard. Why it makes sense for the Colts: They have a very good offensive line overall, but their weak link is Will Fries, at RG. Steen may or may not be an immediate upgrade over Fries, but he probably has more upside, and Fries is in the final year of his contract. Pierce might now be the WR4 with the selection of Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 draft. Eagles CB Eli Ricks to the Texans for WR Robert Woods Why it makes sense for the Eagles: Again, the Eagles very clearly need a WR3. Woods is on the downside of his career at 32, but he is a competent, experienced receiver who can play inside and outside and will make the plays that come his way. Woods would be a one-year rental who could buy time for rookies like Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith to grow their games. Why it makes sense for the Texans: Ricks likely won't make the Eagles' roster, but he has shown enough that he could garner some interest on the waiver wire. The Texans were a playoff team in 2024, so they will have low priority on waivers. Corner was widely thought to be among the Texans' biggest needs this offseason, and Ricks could help bolster their depth. Meanwhile, the Texans are absolutely loaded at receiver. Woods has a $6.25 million salary and isn't projected start. The Texans are probably better off getting him off their books, and he may not even make their roster. (To note, nobody is taking Woods' $6.25 million salary, so any trade here would likely require his cooperation on a pay cut.) Eagles fifth-round pick in 2025 to the Chargers for WR Quentin Johnston Why it makes sense for the Eagles: Did I mention they need a WR3? Johnston has talent, and Howie Roseman loves him a first-round reclamation project. The Eagles also currently hold nine picks in the 2025 draft, including an extra fifth. Why it makes sense for the Chargers: The Chargers selected Johnston in the first round of the 2023 draft, 21st overall. However, he had a disappointing rookie season and the Chargers replaced their GM and head coach this past offseason. Jim Harbaugh couldn't care less where Johnston was drafted, and Johnston is now projected to be the WR4 behind guys like Josh Palmer, DJ Chark, and second-round rookie Ladd McConkey. They also drafted two other receivers —Brendan Rice and Cornelius Johnson — on Day 3. It feels a lot like they'd listen to offers, and it might not take much to pry Johnston away. https://www.phillyvoice.com/three-trades-make-sense-eagles-tyler-steen-alec-pierce-eli-ricks-robert-woods-quentin-johnston/
August 22, 20241 yr Author @weko ... this one's for you Quote Eagles OL Tyler Steen to the Colts for WR Alec Pierce
August 26, 20241 yr On 8/22/2024 at 10:07 AM, time2rock said: Eagles OL Tyler Steen to the Colts for WR Alec Pierce I know this is out of date now because we have traded for Dotson but this one didn’t really make sense? We need depth on the OL and at the very least Steen gives us that. I still think there’s a chance he can develop in to a decent back up guy.
August 26, 20241 yr Author 2 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said: I know this is out of date now because we have traded for Dotson but this one didn’t really make sense? We need depth on the OL and at the very least Steen gives us that. I still think there’s a chance he can develop in to a decent back up guy. There's still a good chance Steen develops into more than just a backup. Becton is only signed for the upcoming season. Steen could very well be our starting RG in 2025 (or earlier if Becton either struggles or gets injured).
August 28, 20241 yr On 8/26/2024 at 6:13 PM, time2rock said: There's still a good chance Steen develops into more than just a backup. Becton is only signed for the upcoming season. Steen could very well be our starting RG in 2025 (or earlier if Becton either struggles or gets injured). Oh absolutely bud! I’m still not sure about Becton and I know most of us feel the same. Steen has value for sure!
August 29, 20241 yr All this talk about Becton, but Steen still remains listed as the 1st team RG on the most recent depth chart. Steen's injury may have had more to do with Becton's 1st team reps than people realize. Notice on the defense where there hasn't been an official declaration on who the starter is, how they have two guys in the "1st team" group and then a clear 3rd team guy. Offense Position First Second Third Other WR A.J. Brown Johnny Wilson LT Jordan Mailata Fred Johnson LG Landon Dickerson Trevor Keegan C Cam Jurgens RG Tyler Steen Mekhi Becton RT Lane Johnson Darian Kinnard TE Dallas Goedert Grant Calcaterra WR DeVonta Smith WR Britain Covey RB Saquon Barkley Kenneth Gainwell Will Shipley QB Jalen Hurts Kenny Pickett Tanner McKee Defense Defense Position First Second Third Other EDGE Bryce Huff Brandon Graham DT Jordan Davis Marlon Tuipulotu DT Jalen Carter Thomas Booker IV DT Milton Williams Moro Ojomo EDGE Josh Sweat Nolan Smith Jr. Jalyx Hunt Patrick Johnson LB Devin WhiteNakobe Dean Ben VanSumeren LB Zack BaunJeremiah Trotter Jr. CB Darius Slay Jr. Quinyon Mitchell CB Isaiah RodgersKelee Ringo Eli Ricks NCB Avonte Maddox Cooper DeJean S C.J. Gardner-Johnson Tristin McCollum S Reed Blankenship James Bradberry IV
August 29, 20241 yr Author 3 hours ago, brkmsn said: All this talk about Becton, but Steen still remains listed as the 1st team RG on the most recent depth chart. Steen's injury may have had more to do with Becton's 1st team reps than people realize. Notice on the defense where there hasn't been an official declaration on who the starter is, how they have two guys in the "1st team" group and then a clear 3rd team guy. Offense Position First Second Third Other WR A.J. Brown Johnny Wilson LT Jordan Mailata Fred Johnson LG Landon Dickerson Trevor Keegan C Cam Jurgens RG Tyler Steen Mekhi Becton RT Lane Johnson Darian Kinnard TE Dallas Goedert Grant Calcaterra WR DeVonta Smith WR Britain Covey RB Saquon Barkley Kenneth Gainwell Will Shipley QB Jalen Hurts Kenny Pickett Tanner McKee Defense Defense Position First Second Third Other EDGE Bryce Huff Brandon Graham DT Jordan Davis Marlon Tuipulotu DT Jalen Carter Thomas Booker IV DT Milton Williams Moro Ojomo EDGE Josh Sweat Nolan Smith Jr. Jalyx Hunt Patrick Johnson LB Devin WhiteNakobe Dean Ben VanSumeren LB Zack BaunJeremiah Trotter Jr. CB Darius Slay Jr. Quinyon Mitchell CB Isaiah RodgersKelee Ringo Eli Ricks NCB Avonte Maddox Cooper DeJean S C.J. Gardner-Johnson Tristin McCollum S Reed Blankenship James Bradberry IV I wouldn't read much into those depth charts. It is frequently mentioned that they are unofficial - put out by the PR guys. It has Maddox as the starting NCB (he could very well see snaps there but based on all the reports of TC and the pre-season he is most likely a backup at S and Mitchell seems positioned for that spot early on).
August 29, 20241 yr 6 hours ago, time2rock said: I wouldn't read much into those depth charts. It is frequently mentioned that they are unofficial - put out by the PR guys. It has Maddox as the starting NCB (he could very well see snaps there but based on all the reports of TC and the pre-season he is most likely a backup at S and Mitchell seems positioned for that spot early on). I understand they aren't official. But I think people equally read too much into TC 1st team reps and all the other things such as giving N. Smith snaps in the 3rd preseason game. Based on everything I've heard from Stoutland's PCs, I'm led to believe that Steen is, in fact, the starter at RG when healthy. That's most likely why the team site depth chart has him listed as such. Also, I'll be honest --- as much as I want to see Mitchell on the field gaining experience, I trust Maddox a lot more to start the season as the nickel. I know he was getting reps at S in camp because we have a lot of talent at CB, but Maddox is a proven nickel at this level, unlike Mitchell. I'll be shocked if Maddox doesn't start game 1 at nickel over Mitchell. I'd expect they'd bring Mitchell into the game as often as they can to get him some work with the hope that he'd take over later in the season. But when push comes to shove, don't expect the team to roll with a bunch of lesser-known, inexperienced players. One of our most exciting players on defense last year (Jalen Carter) only had 1 start the whole season. In the postseason a couple years ago, rookie Reed Blankenship played 48 defensive snaps in the divisional round (5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD), then only 7 snaps in the conference championship (6 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR), then only 1 snap in the Super Bowl --- Why? Because they didn't trust his youth and inexperience against a player like Mahomes. Don't expect the Eagles to all of a sudden start throwing every green, new player to the wolves.
August 30, 20241 yr Author 12 hours ago, brkmsn said: I understand they aren't official. But I think people equally read too much into TC 1st team reps and all the other things such as giving N. Smith snaps in the 3rd preseason game. Based on everything I've heard from Stoutland's PCs, I'm led to believe that Steen is, in fact, the starter at RG when healthy. That's most likely why the team site depth chart has him listed as such. Also, I'll be honest --- as much as I want to see Mitchell on the field gaining experience, I trust Maddox a lot more to start the season as the nickel. I know he was getting reps at S in camp because we have a lot of talent at CB, but Maddox is a proven nickel at this level, unlike Mitchell. I'll be shocked if Maddox doesn't start game 1 at nickel over Mitchell. I'd expect they'd bring Mitchell into the game as often as they can to get him some work with the hope that he'd take over later in the season. But when push comes to shove, don't expect the team to roll with a bunch of lesser-known, inexperienced players. One of our most exciting players on defense last year (Jalen Carter) only had 1 start the whole season. In the postseason a couple years ago, rookie Reed Blankenship played 48 defensive snaps in the divisional round (5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD), then only 7 snaps in the conference championship (6 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR), then only 1 snap in the Super Bowl --- Why? Because they didn't trust his youth and inexperience against a player like Mahomes. Don't expect the Eagles to all of a sudden start throwing every green, new player to the wolves. We shall see. Different regime now (other than HC). Fangio keeps mentioning he wants to find a way to get the best players on the field (he mentioned that a few times specifically when talking about Mitchell getting looks inside). Perhaps he kept playing him throughout the preseason games to allow him to get more experience and in turn, more comfortable there and will indeed start Maddox there as you suggest (very possible you are right). It is going to be interesting to see how much autonomy Fangio is allowed to run the unit as he wishes and use the players he wants (vs being directed by the HC or GM to play certain players or avoid giving too much play time to rookies). Howie also commented recently about needing to change from being so averse to playing rookies and younger players.
Create an account or sign in to comment