Philadelphia Eagles Options For 2013 NFL Trade Deadline
By Erik Lambert
November 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps one the most baffling teams of the 2013 off-season is the Philadelphia Eagles. A massive roster overturn has seen them assemble a new and rather interesting roster centered around the offense, and more specifically the quarterbacks. That being said there are still several leftovers from the Andy Reid era. Could those players become valued trade pieces for the new regime?
Jason Peters
Injuries and arrests are the quickest ways to get kicked off a team. Jason Peters should be thankful that he bestowed such obvious NFL talent otherwise the Philadelphia Eagles would’ve dumped him already. Their hope is his idiot decision to drag race and his Achilles injury last season don’t chew into the fact he went to five-straight Pro Bowls. The former part of the problem is up for debate but the injury issue is very prevalent. That could be the biggest reason why Chip Kelly and the front office made Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson their first pick in the 2013 draft. Early word out of team headquarters is they plan to put the rookie at right tackle with Peters back on the left side. However, if they feel the 31-year old is too much of a risk, then exploring trade options is not out of the question. Despite the concerns, a lot of teams might pay a draft pick for the chance his rehab goes well and he returns to his old form. It will depend on how high the demand is.
Brent Celek
Two names could determine the future of Brent Celek in Philadelphia. They are Zach Ertz and Aaron Hernandez. The Eagles drafted Ertz in the second round. He was one of the top rated players at his position and is expected to make an immediate impact as a pro. That bodes well for the team, but not for Celek who may have to share more passes. His numbers already took a slight hit in 2012. If Ertz makes an impression early his playing time is in danger. That is where the Hernandez angle comes in. Everybody who follows football has learned of the former Patriots tight end and his incredible arrest for first degree murder. While not as important as justice, is has left New England exposed at tight end. Since Tom Brady doesn’t have the luxury of time at age 35, the team may be moved to make an aggressive push for a replacement via trade. Philadelphia could benefit by offering Celek, since they have Ertz in their back pocket already.
DeSean Jackson
To call wide receiver DeSean Jackson a walking soap opera sounds a little harsh, but it isn’t far off. Despite such obvious ability to play the game of football, the young man often causes more trouble for his own team than opposing defenses. Chip Kelly already sent him a message early in minicamp practices by running him with the second and third string players. Whether that message sticks could depend on how many passes Jackson sees on Sundays. He has a history of becoming vocal when he is frustrated. Talented or not, the Philadelphia Eagles can’t afford to let him short circuit what Kelly is trying to accomplish. If that means trading him off, then that is what must happen.