Eagles' Top Trade Candidates Ahead of 2024 Training Camp
The Philadelphia Eagles appear determined to make the 2024 season a rebound campaign. After coming only a few plays short of winning a championship in 2022, the Eagles took a major step backward last year and were ousted in the wild-card round.
However, general manager Howie Roseman has made a few key additions—including Saquon Barkley, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bryce Huff, Devin White, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean—who could help get the Eagles back on a winning track.
Philadelphia may not be done adding either. The Eagles still have $24.6 million in cap space and can afford to peruse the free-agent and trade markets. If Philly wants to make a significant trade, though, it has to find something to offer up n return.
With this in mind, let's dive into three trade candidates the Eagles could consider moving before training camp opens on July 23.
CB James Bradberry
1 of 3
Let's be honest. The Eagles probably can't get a lot in return for defensive back James Bradberry. He'll turn 31 in August and is coming off a disastrous campaign in which he allowed an opposing passer rating of 114.3 in coverage.
However, with Mitchell and DeJean entering the equation, the Eagles might not have a role for Bradberry this season. Philadelphia is going to try a position switch.
"Now he's working some of the safety stuff. I'm excited about that, and his opportunity," head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters in early June.
Bradberry has spent his pro career at cornerback, so there's no guarantee that he'll take to a new position. If he doesn't—and if he can't provide value as a subpackage role player—the Eagles may move on just to free up a roster spot.
While parting with Bradberry in any capacity would trigger a $15.1 million dead-cap hit, the Eagles could at least save $1.2 million in 2024 cap space by trading him. They'll save nothing by releasing him outright.
Again, Philly couldn't expect a strong return,but it could likely get something for the former Pro Bowler who was a consistently strong starter before last season.
RB Kenneth Gainwell
2 of 3
If the Eagles are wise, they won't run Barkley into the ground as the New York Giants too often did. However, Barkley should still see a significant workload in Philadelphia, which reduces the need for high-end running back depth.
This is one reason why the Eagles could consider trading running back Kenneth Gainwell. The 25-year-old is also entering the final year of his rookie deal and could soon be supplanted on the depth chart by rookie Will Shipley.
"Shipley will be a quality option for any team to have in its backfield," Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "He's a decisive runner with enough burst and pass-catching utility to eat snaps here and there."
If the Eagles don't see Gainwell having a long-term future with the franchise, they could look to cash in by trading him to a running back-needy team before Week 1. The 2021 fifth-round pick has shown glimpses as a part-time player, especially last season.
Despite logging only 114 touches, Gainwell tallied 547 scrimmage yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry and catching 30 passes. For another team, he could potentially push for the starting role.
Edge Josh Sweat
3 of 3
The Eagles tried to trade pass-rusher Josh Sweat earlier in the offseason. Ultimately, he agreed to a restructured deal, and Philadelphia traded Haason Reddick instead. Philadelphia has no reason to simply dump Sweat, but if it is looking to secure another player in a trade, he could become a valuable bargaining chip.
Sweat is still entering the final year of his contract and isn't a lock to stay with Philly beyond 2024. He'd undoubtedly interest teams in pass-rushing help after three straight seasons with at least 6.5 sacks.
Last season, Sweat also had an impressive 37 quarterback pressures. He recorded 11.5 sacks in 2022 and was a Pro Bowler in 2021. At only 27 years old, Sweat would net a sizeable return in a trade.
While parting with Sweat would be a blow to Philadelphia's defense, it wouldn't be an outright disaster. The Eagles should still be able to field a functional pass rush with Huff, Zack Baun, Brandon Graham, 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith Jr. and rookie Jalyx Hunt.
The Eagles won't simply dangle Sweat on the trade market because he's a proven contributor in their defense. Aside from draft capital, though, he's arguably the best realistic trade asset Philly could offer.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.
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