The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a lot of losses this offseason from their coaching staff and roster. Offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon both left for head coaching jobs with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals.
A handful of players followed them to their new teams, and multiple others left in free agency. The defense was hit hard as numerous starters and key contributors signed deals elsewhere. But, this is something general manager Howie Roseman has been preparing for.
He has done an excellent job of building up the depth on the roster with movement up and down the draft board and shrewd free agent signings. There will be some unproven players in prominent roles this season, but the team is confident they will get the job done.
Alas, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to make upgrades if the opportunity presented itself as the Eagles are looking to contend for a Super Bowl. Who could they look to acquire? Here are three dream trade targets for the Eagles before the 2023 season.
3. RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Philadelphia’s backfield is going to look a little bit different in 2023 than it did in 2022. Miles Sanders, who had a career season that culminated in a Pro Bowl, signed a free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Replacing him in the backfield will be Rashaad Penny, who the team signed to an affordable deal in free agency. The Eagles also acquired D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions, making a strong quartet with the re-signed Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell.
While the depth is good, Philadelphia showed last season they aren’t afraid to seek out a big upgrade in the backfield. They were in on Christian McCaffrey before he was traded to the San Fransisco 49ers and were linked to Alvin Kamara as well.
With Kamara reportedly being shopped around again, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for the Eagles to check-in. They have the depth to handle his three-week suspension to begin the season and given the health track record of Penny and Swift, it wouldn’t hurt to have another established player in the mix.
2. S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
The Eagles suffered a major loss in the secondary with C.J. Gardner-Johnson signing with the Lions. His versatility will be tough to replace as he could get the job done at either safety spot and excelled as a slot corner. Marcus Epps also departed, signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving Philadelphia with new starters at both spots.
Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown are expected to get the first crack and the team signed Terrell Edmunds in free agency. But, making a splash here would be smart as the team could use some more experience.
One player that would make a lot of sense is Budda Baker. Baker requested a trade from the Cardinals earlier this offseason as he sought a new contract. While he didn’t get an extension, the team did give him a raise for 2023 and 2024.
A bandaid for the situation, Baker could be someone that is still on the move between now and the regular season. If he becomes available, the Eagles should jump at the chance to acquire him.
1. LB Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens
The only position that was hit harder by defections on the Eagles’ defense than safety was at linebacker. T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White both departed, leaving a major void at the second level of their defensive unit.
Philadelphia is going to be relying on Nakobe Dean stepping into a larger role and free agent signing Nicholas Morrow to fill the void. It is certainly a risky proposition, as Edwards and White were both established players.
The Eagles aren’t comfortable with how things look in training camp, they should make a call to the Ravens about Patrick Queen. Baltimore declined the fifth-year option on his contract, making him a free agent in 2024.
With his future no longer looking like it will be with the Ravens, it would be a shrewd move by Roseman to acquire him and have him settle things down at linebacker in the City of Brotherly Love.
