Done Dealing

Posted November 4th, 2025

Now that the trade deadline has come and gone let’s take another look at what the Eagles did with their three recent trades.

The Eagles didn’t make any huge moves. Some fans may have wanted an impact player, but Howie Roseman decided the roster was in good enough shape that he didn’t need to pay a big price for big names. Sauce Gardner would be fun to have at CB. Howie would prefer to keep his first round picks and not have to take on a big contract. Don’t forget that money has to be factored into all roster decisions.

While the team didn’t add any "impact” players, they are better than a week ago. They have better depth and options in the secondary. They added a good pass rusher to improve the four-man rush. They didn’t have to give up any key assets to do this. They did trade a third round pick, but still have two third round picks in the 2026 draft. They have plenty of ammo for adding young talent or making moves in the offseason.

The Colts traded for Gardner because they are having an unexpectedly good season and felt the need to go for it. The AFC sure feels wide open so I don’t blame them. They haven’t been to a Super Bowl since 2009. Can you remember that far back? Sav Rocca was the Eagles punter. How’s that for a forgotten name.

Dallas traded for LB Logan Wilson and DT Quinnen Williams. Wilson was a good player in the past, but has struggled this season and lost his job to a rookie. He could help a Dallas defense that is desperate for help, but the Bengals are even more desperate and were willing to trade him. That’s generally not a good sign. Williams is a stud DT. He will help Dallas. You just wonder if the Cowboys waited too long. Dallas is 3-5-1 and still has games left with the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings and Chargers. Not ideal for the Jones clan and their tortured fanbase.

Back to the Eagles. Howie Roseman spoke to the media today and made the point that all three players they traded for had ties to the Eagles. Jaelan Phillips played for Vic Fangio in Miami. Michael Carter was with Joe Douglas in NY and played for safeties coach Joe Kasper in college at Duke. Jaire Alexander played for Christian Parker in Green Bay.

Howie made the point that game tape tells part of the story, but knowing who the person is can be as valuable as knowing the player. Are you getting guys who will fit the Eagles culture? Will they buy into the winning mentality the Eagles have?

The Eagles feel that all three players are a good fit scheme-wise. Phillips experience with Fangio just two years ago makes that easy to judge. They know Phillips can play on the edge or rush inside. He can drop into coverage. He feels like a plug ‘n play guy.

Howie compared Carter to Avonte Maddox, a DB who can play the nickel or safety. That versatility is critical.

Alexander is probably the most complicated. He’s not the same guy he was at his peak because of injuries. Howie said the Eagles spoke to the Ravens to get a feel for how Alexander handled his benching. They obviously heard good things since they made the deal for him. The Eagles are likely hoping that his health will improve and that Parker and Fangio will know how to get the best out of him.

Put simply, the Eagles are a better team. How much better? Only time will tell. No matter what moves you make there is no guarantee of a Super Bowl. There is still a lot of season left and it will be fun to see how this team develops over time.

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Howie also talked about the return of BG in his press conference. He said he had to call BG twice to see if he was interested in coming back. The first time was in the summer and the second time was after the surprise retirement of Za’Darius Smith.

Adding BG and Nolan Smith will certainly boost the Eagles defense.

I hate that for Johnson. He was a good STer and did some good things on defense. But it is great to get Nolan back. If he’s truly healthy, he can be an impact player. Just think about how he played last January. Smith was a great run defender and good pass rusher.

https://igglesblitz.com/2025/11/done-dealing/