The Philadelphia Eagles are again positioned to be contenders in the NFC. They have one of the strongest rosters in the entire NFL and should be there at the end, vying for the Lombardi Trophy.
While the team looks good on paper right now, if the opportunity presented itself to improve, General Manager Howie Roseman would undoubtedly explore it. With just a few days of training camp remaining, the team has a few positions it wouldn’t mind solidifying.
Linebacker and safety have been mentioned as possibilities as the coaching staff hasn’t seen the kind of performance they were hoping for. Another position that some people believe they could seek an upgrade is at running back.
Miles Sanders departed in free agency this offseason coming off of a Pro Bowl campaign. The Eagles replaced him with Rashaad Penny in free agency and acquired D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions in a trade. Those two, combined with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott, make a strong running back room.
But, if last season is any indication, that won’t deter the Eagles from exploring additions. Last season, it was Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints. This offseason, could it be Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts?
The Colts gave Taylor permission to seek a trade and the Eagles have been mentioned as a potential landing spot. What could a deal centered around Taylor look like? Some different trade packages have been suggested.
One package would be two second-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, one via Philadelphia and the other via New Orleans, along with a 2025 third-round pick. While short of the first-round pick the Colts are reportedly seeking, that is excellent value to receive in return for a running back.
A second suggestion includes some players going back to Indianapolis. The same two second-round picks would be involved, but this time Gainwell and pass rusher Derek Barnett would also head back to Indianapolis.
Moving a running back makes a lot of sense as the Eagles aren’t going to keep five on the 53-man roster. In a contract year, Barnett would be motivated to help what looks to be an underwhelming Colts pass rusher.
Last but not least, the Colts could look to really amass weapons around their new franchise quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Penny and wide receiver Quez Watkins could be acquired, along with the two second-round picks and a 2025 fifth-rounder.
That third package is probably the one the Colts would like the most. Penny and Watkins provide more talent around Richardson and the draft capital is still strong. The Eagles would have an offense capable of putting up video game-esque numbers with Taylor, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert surrounding Jalen Hurts.
