Philadelphia Eagles Ship LBs to Indianapolis Colts for CB and Draft Pick

The Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts have announced a trade that will send linebackers Moise Fokou and Greg Lloyd to the Colts in exchange for cornerback Kevin Thomas and a conditional seventh-round draft choice in 2013.

The condition of the draft pick is likely tied to both players making the team and then contributing a certain amount and almost certainly maxes out at a fifth-round choice.

Thomas (6'0", 192) was a third-round pick back in 2010, but spent his rookie season on Injured Reserve, then saw action in nine games—with three starts—last season. That action resulted in 33 tackles and three pass breakups, according to the Eagles' official team release.

With the current talent drought in Indianapolis, Fokou and Lloyd could both see plenty of action with the Colts. In Philadelphia, both were fighting for a roster spot (even though I thought Lloyd had a shot), so this move makes a lot of sense for both teams.

Fokou heads to the Colts with a decent amount of starting experience under his belt, and Lloyd is a guy who has always been branded as someone with limitless potential.

For new head coach Chuck Pagano, the former defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, there could be something in both of these guys he can still pull out and make useful. As we've seen over the years, Andy Reid is not the greatest evaluator of linebackers, so who knows, right?

Positive thoughts, Colts fans. Positive thoughts.

As far as how Thomas fits in Juan Castillo's defense, it's tough to say. He's a big guy who prefers the bump-and-run, so that works in his favor, but he is entering a ton of competition. In reality, the only three corners guaranteed a roster spot are Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and fourth-round pick Brandon Boykin.

From there, Joselio Hanson, Curtis Marsh, Cliff Harris, Brandon Hughes and Trevard Lindley are all fighting for spots—and likely in that order. Thomas likely jumps ahead of everyone, but Hanson right away because of his starting experience, albeit minimal. However, this early in camp, it's almost impossible to say what the coaches are really thinking about their guys.

These under-the-radar moves are nothing new for the Eagles, especially because of the familiarity with new Colts General manager Ryan Grigson, who was a front office guy in Philadelphia for years. Reid loves hooking up with guys from his tree to make deals like this.

But really, who would have believed the Eagles would get more out of moving Fokou and Lloyd than they did for Asante Samuel?

Put your hand down. Liar.