As we make our way through the offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles approach the 2021 season with a complete reset. New coaching, new quarterback, new schemes. For the fans, everything we see this season will be brand new, as Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni look to turn this team around sooner rather than later. With a whole new regime comes moving on from previous players who may not be in the Eagles long term plans anymore. Moving on from players is tough, but this league is a business, and sometimes moves like that need to be made. Before the 2021 season gets underway, here are three potential trade pieces currently on the Eagles roster.
Derek Barnett
A name that some fans don't want to see, but in reality is someone that could be in discussions of trades. Derek Barnett is only 24 years old and has a ton of upside as a defensive end. With the upside, also comes a payday. Currently in the last year of his rookie contract, Barnett hasn't shown as much as the team has hoped for in becoming an elite pass rusher that they can feel confident in giving a big contract. Inconsistent play and health have been the two things holding Barnett back. In a league where pass rushers are becoming one of the highest paid positions, Barnett just hasn't shown enough yet to be worthy of a huge contract. After bulking up the defensive line this offseason, the Eagles wouldn't take a huge hit by moving off of Barnett. His $10 million cap hit is only guaranteed if he is outright cut, so if a team calls and asks for his services, the Eagles could be persuaded into dealing him away.
Andre Dillard
Another first round pick that could be a top discussion of trade talks. After trading up in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected Andre Dillard in hopes of him becoming their left tackle of the future. That plan has all but been thrown out the window. Dillard spent his rookie season learning from future Hall of Famer Jason Peters, which was the correct move. Dillard saw four starts in 2019, showing potential and that he had room to grow. His 2020 season was thrown out the window due to an injury in the offseason, and he didn't have a chance to earn his spot. After a makeshift cast in 2020, former seventh round pick Jordan Mailata earned the starting left tackle spot by the end of the season, and looks to have the job as we make our way through training camp. If Dillard can't take back the starting job, it may be best to find a lineman needy team and try and work out a deal. Yes, the Eagles have been hindered with injuries at the offensive line position the last few years. However, if Mailata is the starter, keeping Dillard solely as a backup wouldn't be the best move. Until the starter is announced, the Eagles should talk around the league with teams to see if they can get some value for Dillard while they can.
Zach Ertz
The most obvious and drawn out saga of the offseason. It was pretty much guaranteed by everyone around the league that Zach Ertz would have not been a Philadelphia Eagle by now. Shoot, everyone was projecting it before the draft happened. With word that he wouldn't be reporting to camp until there is a solution, Ertz is the Eagle most likely to be traded before the season begins. It could be an attempt to move him with a Post June 1st transaction, but the Eagles should move on from Ertz sooner rather than later. There were teams out there interested, but the value asked for was too high for their liking. As much as fans love Ertz, it just doesn't make sense for him to be in the Eagles long term plans. At 30 years old, he's in the last year of his deal and is going to be looking for a big contract after 2021. Not to mention, the team already has a young, promising tight end in Dallas Goedert, who is also playing for a pay day after 2021. The Eagles need to grant Ertz his wish and let him finish his career with another team. With what he's done on and off the field, he's earned the right to do so.
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