Eagles•Unique Columns
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The Eagles are facing their toughest stretch of the season. A 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers marked their fourth straight defeat, dropping them to 2-4. With injuries mounting and the NFL trade deadline looming, general manager Howie Roseman must decide whether to invest in salvaging 2026, retool for 2027 or do some of both.
Two numbers from the loss to Carolina illustrate the problem:
- 📉 222 total yards: More than 100 below the NFL average of roughly 330 per game.
- 📉 35 rushing yards: Just one-third of the league average of approximately 110 per game.
The offense’s problems have deepened with Lane Johnson’s retirement, Cam Jurgens’ departure and a string of injuries across the roster. Jalen Hurts is also expected to miss the rest of the season, adding to the challenges facing Philadelphia.
⏱️ The Road to the Trade Deadline: Key Dates
The past few weeks have brought major developments that reshaped Philadelphia’s outlook.
📤 One Trade Completed, Three More Players to Watch
✅ Cam Jurgens: A Trade Built Around Draft Capital
A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Cam Jurgens became Philadelphia’s starting right guard in 2023. Following Jason Kelce’s retirement, he took over at center in 2024 and helped the Eagles capture Super Bowl LIX.
His performance earned him two consecutive Pro Bowl selections. During the opening weeks of 2026, he also stepped in at left guard to replace the injured Landon Dickerson.
Philadelphia sent Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for a 2027 fifth-rounder and a 2028 second-rounder.
The deal adds valuable draft assets, but it also costs Philadelphia a proven, versatile starter.
Roseman said the Eagles weren’t actively shopping Jurgens, but Baltimore’s offer presented an opportunity to acquire draft picks and gain financial flexibility.
The move also reflects the front office’s confidence in Drew Kendall, who filled in at center earlier in the season.
👀 Who Else Could Be on the Way Out?
The Jurgens trade raised questions about which other established players could be moved before the trade deadline.
Reports from ESPN and The Athletic, highlighted by Bleeding Green Nation, identified Saquon Barkley, Landon Dickerson and Riq Woolen as possible trade candidates.
All three have surfaced in trade speculation, but no advanced negotiations have been reported, and the Eagles have not indicated plans to move any of them.
📤 Saquon Barkley | Running Back
👀 Status: His name has circulated among rival executives and appeared in hypothetical trade proposals. ESPN’s Ben Solak outlined a potential deal that would send Barkley to the Houston Texans in exchange for draft picks and running back Woody Marks.
➕ Potential return: A substantial offer could provide Philadelphia with valuable draft picks to address other roster needs and strengthen its long-term plans.
➖ Potential cost: The Eagles would lose their lead running back at a time when their ground game is already struggling. A trade would also carry significant salary-cap implications.
Barkley has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, adding another factor to consider alongside his contract and the compensation another team might offer.
📤 Landon Dickerson | Left Guard
👀 Status: His recovery from injury has raised questions about his role in the starting lineup as Philadelphia reshapes its offensive line.
➕ Potential return: A deal could bring additional draft picks and give the front office more flexibility to adjust the roster.
➖ Potential cost: His departure would mean losing an experienced interior lineman and force another adjustment at a position critical to quarterback protection.
📤 Riq Woolen | Cornerback
👀 Status: Executives from other franchises have identified him as a possible trade candidate, according to The Athletic.
➕ Potential return: Trading him could net Philadelphia additional draft picks before his one-year deal expires.
➖ Potential cost: The Eagles would lose depth and experience at outside cornerback, limiting their defensive options for the remainder of the season.
📥 Possible Additions: Who Could Fill the Gaps?
Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Roseman checked on the availability of starting-caliber offensive linemen, even after completing the Jurgens trade.
McLane did not identify specific targets. Other NFL outlets, however, have suggested Austin Jackson, Wyatt Teller and Tony Pollard as possible fits.
None has been identified as a confirmed Eagles trade target.
📥 Austin Jackson | Tackle, Miami Dolphins
💡 Status: Eagles Wire suggested Jackson as an option at right tackle.
➕ What would he bring? Experience and immediate competition for the position vacated by Lane Johnson.
➖ What are the concerns? His recent play has raised questions, and the Eagles would have to decide whether the potential upgrade is worth the draft picks and financial commitment required to acquire him.
📥 Wyatt Teller | Guard, Houston Texans
💡 Status: Listed among Houston’s possible trade candidates.
➕ What would he bring? Three Pro Bowl selections and a veteran presence to strengthen the interior of the offensive line.
➖ What are the concerns? Teller has seen limited playing time in Houston and would need to adjust quickly to Philadelphia’s system. His value would also depend on the asking price and whether he could contribute beyond this season.
📥 Tony Pollard | Running Back, Tennessee Titans
💡 Status: Eagles Wire identified Pollard as a possible fit, although subsequent reports indicated Tennessee was not looking to trade him.
➕ What would he bring? Experience, receiving ability and another option in the backfield while injured players work their way back.
➖ What are the concerns? With Barkley established as the starter, spending draft picks on another running back might offer less value than addressing other positions. Tennessee’s willingness to negotiate also remains a significant obstacle.
🏥 Jalen Hurts’ Absence Changes the Equation
The Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, confirmed that the quarterback had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolisms.
Hurts remains in stable condition and has a favorable recovery outlook, but he will require anticoagulant treatment and must stay away from contact football. He is not expected to return during the 2026 season.
Tanner McKee took over as the starter against Carolina, throwing for 215 yards and one touchdown. The Eagles also signed Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad to add depth at quarterback.
With McKee under center, pass protection and a reliable rushing attack will be essential if Philadelphia hopes to stay in the postseason race.
🔄 Other Roster Moves
Philadelphia signed running back Elijah Mitchell to the practice squad and waived Jaydon Blue and Carson Steele, the latter with an injury designation.
Mitchell, who was released during the preseason, returns to provide additional depth in the backfield.
🧩 What Should Roseman Prioritize at the Trade Deadline?
Of the needs Philadelphia could address, the offensive line stands out as the biggest priority.
Adding another running back might give the offense more options, but it would do little on its own to address the team’s struggles to open running lanes and protect the quarterback. A dependable lineman who can start now and potentially beyond 2026 would offer more lasting value.
At the same time, the Jurgens trade raises another important question: which players remain central to Philadelphia’s plans for 2027, and which might bring enough value in return to justify moving them?
The deal with Baltimore showed that even established starters aren’t necessarily untouchable if the offer is right.
Still, accumulating draft picks is only part of the equation. The Eagles must eventually turn those assets into players capable of maintaining their competitive standard, particularly in the trenches.
Buying and selling don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Roseman can address immediate needs while listening to offers for players who may not fit into the franchise’s long-term plans.
With the trade deadline approaching, the challenge is not simply to make a move. It’s to determine which deals give the Eagles the best chance to stabilize this season without sacrificing what comes next.
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