NFL Analysis Network

This Eagles-Chargers Trade Sends Star Running Back To Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles had a ton of turnover during the 2023 offseason. That is the price of success, as players and coaches are sought after around the league. Both coordinators, Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon, landed head coaching jobs with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, leaving huge voids on the staff.

Roster-wise, double-digit contributors departed Philadelphia in free agency. Four key players from their defense are gone while a few more remain free agents. Offensively, the Eagles were able to keep things more intact, but still had a few losses.

The highest profile one was Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders. Sanders signed a four-year deal worth over $25 million with the Carolina Panthers, cashing in on his career season. Seeing how underwhelming the running back market ended up being this offseason, that was a very good deal for Sanders.

To help offset his loss, the Eagles signed Rashaad Penny away from the Seattle Seahawks. Penny is a very efficient runner, averaging 5.7 yards per carry in his career. However, staying on the field has been an issue as he has played in only 42 games in five seasons.

Boston Scott was retained in free agency and Kenneth Gainwell is still under contract, so the Eagles have a decent trio to rely on. However, if last season was any indication, they aren’t afraid to swing for the fences if the opportunity presents itself.

Philadelphia was connected to Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints ahead of the trade deadline and also checked in on Christian McCaffrey before the Panthers traded him to the San Francisco 49ers.

Upgrades were sought, so the Eagles shouldn’t be counted out from doing the same this offseason. One player that could pique their interest is Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Ekeler, like Kamara and McCaffrey, is an elite pass-catching back. He is a true weapon in the passing game, recording a career-high 107 receptions in 2022. Ekeler has gotten close to the 1,000-yard receiving plateau as well, recording 993 yards in 2019.

What could a trade between the Eagles and Chargers centered around Ekeler look like? Lacking middle and late-round picks, Philadelphia can offer a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a second-round pick via the New Orleans Saints in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for Ekeler and a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

For a running back on an expiring contract, that is excellent value for the Chargers to get in return for Ekeler. As one of the best dual-threat running backs in the NFL, he is worth the price and certainly underpaid on his current deal.

The Eagles offense hummed like a well-oiled machine in 2022 but one weakness was weapons in the passing game. After wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert, the next most productive pass catcher was Quez Watkins with 33 receptions for 354 yards.

Adding Ekeler to the mix would give them a legitimate fourth option in the passing game, helping Jalen Hurts take his game to another level. As long as Penny stays healthy, Ekeler can be kept fresh on early downs after recording 200+ carries in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career.

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