Let’s make a deal: 4 trades that make sense for the Eagles as training camp approaches

[time2rock]

Let’s make a deal: 4 trades that make sense for the Eagles as training camp approaches 

Glenn Erby 

 

July 9, 2021 2:00 pm ET

 

The Eagles have needs throughout their retooled roster and even though the organization is undergoing a youth movement, a talented veteran or two could have Philadelphia right back in the playoff hunt.

With training camp approaching, we highlighted four potential trades that make sense for the organization without mortgaging the future draft picks as assets.

Eagles acquire CB Jimmy Smith from Ravens

Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of an AFC Divisional Round game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens already have a dynamic duo at the cornerback position in Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. Baltimore also selected former Ohio State star Shaun Wade in April’s NFL draft, possibly making Jimmy Smith available.

Smith, 32, is coming off a solid season and would provide a talented stop-gap at cornerback to pair with Darius Slay.

Howie Roseman could acquire Smith without having to part ways with a first or second-day pick.

Eagles acquire Anthony Miller from the Bears

Dec 6, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller (17) makes a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Darryl Roberts (29) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Miller, the 51st overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, would thrive in the slot and give Dallas Goedert, Jalen Reagor, and DeVonta Smith even more room to work with across the middle and on the outside.

Miller is due $1.2 in 2021 and the disgruntled wide receiver could be an option for a contract extension depending on his production.

Eagles acquire CB Bryce Callahan from the Broncos

Nov 1, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) celebrates with strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) after intercepting a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Like Jimmy Smith above, Callahan finds himself in a numbers crunch after Denver selected Patrick Surtain II at No. 9 overall in the NFL draft after they went out and acquired Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller in free agency.

Callahan has one year remaining on his current deal and is set to have a cap hit of approximately $8.5 million and a base salary of $6.5 million.

Philadelphia would likely need to include Zach Ertz in such a deal.

Eagles acquire CB Xavien Howard for Derek Barnett, 2nd round pick

Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) intercepts a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Jeff Smith (16) in the second quarter Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Syndication Palm Beach Post

A strong, physical cornerback that likes to get his hands on the opposing receiver, the Eagles could send Derek Barnett and their second-round pick to Miami for the All-Pro.

A versatile cornerback who can travel, Howard would help Darius Slay play two more years, while the ascending Josh Sweat would fill the void lost by Barnett.

Howard has four years remaining on his current contract.

https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/lists/philadelphia-eagles-potential-trades-training-camp-zach-ertz/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0D5-UJVGtP15zsH2-GhOKNNqfet43qk1kv-R1tYjB5jTM1_8653Hqiw6Y

[Cochis_Calhoun]

Jimmy Smith, an injury prone 1.5 interception a season corner, we already have those, how does trading for another make sense?

Anthony Miller, a slot receiver who managed less than 500 yards last year, we already have those, how does trading for another make sense?

Bryce Callahan an injury prone 1.5 interception a season corner, we already have those, how does trading for another make sense? Also he would basically eat all Zach Ertz cap relief so how does this make sense either.

But the Xavien Howard one is the doozy, oh yeah the cap strapped Eagles should totally make a trade for one of the best paid Corners in the country.  The Dolphins traded Shaq Lawson in March a year after signing him and Lawson is basically Barnett's level in sack numbers, and yet they're going to trade us the best playmaking corner in the NFL for Derek Barnett and a 2nd when they have other teams happy to talk about a 1st rounder straight up?  Derek Barnett and his one year guaranteed $11million salary is not a stellar bargaining chip in the circumstances.

We have the first rounders to do it, but the cap implications of Howard's current contract would be ruinous, and the reason he wants to leave Miami is because he wants to get paid more. So to sum up we'd have to give Miami a first rounder then try and negotiate a contract extension that improves his salary overall but somehow gets under this years cap, that'll involve either dumping / extending Barnett AND cutting Ertz, and likely giving a 5 year contract to a 28 year old corner to maximise proration on the bonus.

[20dawk4life]

Whoever wrote this is bad and should feel bad. 

[jsdarkstar]

4 trades that make sense? Not so much.

[UK_EaglesFan89]

I like the Howard idea. Not sure I'd give up so much to get him given the contract situation but I do like the idea of bringing him in.