The Philadelphia Eagles’ locker room has several empty spots after players departed through free agency, trades, or salary cap cuts. With the draft approaching next month, the team is focused on adding players who can contribute right away.
After winning the Super Bowl with a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles hold the final pick in the first round. However, they are unlikely to stay put, as they are expected to trade up to select a plug-and-play defensive lineman.
“I think the Eagles are more likely to trade up or draft a player at No. 32 than they are to trade out,” Elliott Shorr-Parks of 94WIP in Philadelphia shared on social media.
The Eagles have had success drafting defensive players in recent years, notably selecting defensive lineman Jalen Carter and linebacker Nolan Smith from the University of Georgia in back-to-back drafts.
Philadelphia values rookie contracts and the flexibility of the fifth-year option. By retaining star players while they are still cost-effective, the Eagles can allocate more money toward high-priced skill players—such as Saquon Barkley, who led the league in rushing last season and had one of the most impressive years ever for an NFL running back.
The Eagles need to rebuild their defense after losing key players like Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency. Both were traded, but the team was prepared to release them if no trade offers materialized.
