Philadelphia Eagles: Five players to target before the trade deadline
Grady Jarrett, Defensive Tackle, Atlanta Falcons
Of everyone on this list, Grady Jarrett is probably the least likely to be traded. Furthermore, I highly doubt that the Eagles look at their roster right now and make the decision to give up what it may cost to acquire Jarrett from the Falcons. But maybe they should consider it.
On a Falcons defense that has been even worse than the Eagles this season, Jarrett has been one of the few bright spots. Even after being rewarded with a new contract before the season, Jarrett is still keeping up his intensity and performing at an elite level.
With 36 combined tackles so far this season, Jarrett is second on the Falcons in total tackles, an incredible feat for an interior defensive lineman. The Eagles’ current defensive tackles? They have combined for a total of 26. The struggles against the run don’t fall solely on the linebackers and maybe should fall even more on the defensive line.
The Eagles defensive line, particularly defensive tackle, has been decimated with injuries this season. Defensive tackle looked like a position that the Philadelphia Eagles were loaded at to start the season with All-Pro Fletcher Cox leading the way, Timmy Jernigan returning after playing just three games last season and former Pro Bowler Malik Jackson being signed in the offseason.
However, early in the season, Jackson ended up on the season-ending IR with a foot injury and Jernigan has been out since week two with a broken foot of his own. That left Cox seemingly on his own on the inside to face a plethora of double teams with inexperienced Hassan Ridgeway lining up next to him. Oh, and Ridgeway suffered an ankle injury last week and has been placed on the IR.
With all of these injuries at defensive tackle, the Philadelphia Eagles signed two different guys from other team’s practice squads to fill the huge void. Philly has signed both Albert Huggins from Houston and Anthony Rush from Oakland this week, and one will have to start alongside Cox with Jernigan still sidelined even though neither has played an NFL game.
Defensive tackle is another huge need for the Eagles. The weakness at the position his a huge hindrance for both the Eagles rush defense and pass rush. They have tried to address the position how they can right now, but they need to make a bigger move if they want to compete this season.
Even when Jernigan returns, the Eagles could benefit from another reliable big body on the inside of their defensive line. That was clearly the idea when they brought in Jackson to add to Cox and Jernigan, and a guy like Grady Jarrett would come in right now and make a huge impact, leaving Jernigan as a bit of luxury when he does come back healthy.
Again, Jarrett may not be available on the market, but it couldn’t hurt to ask. His contract may not be desirable either for the Eagles, but his talent is undeniable and would be a huge “win now” move for the Eagles. A “cheaper” player in terms of compensation and contract may be more likely, and I will outline some of those options in the honorable mentions section, but the Philadelphia Eagles really need any sort of experienced player at the position.