Would Eagles general manager Howie Roseman really consider trading assets for a veteran running back?
If he would, he now has the chance. And if you know Howie Roseman, he'll always at least make a call.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was granted permission by the team to seek a trade partner after their contract talks weren't productive, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported Tuesday:
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Ekeler turns 28 before next season begins and has plenty of wear on his wheels, with exactly 1,200 touches in six seasons with the Chargers. He also carries a $7.75 million cap hit next year.
A veteran running back with a relatively hefty cap hit is not exactly the player profile you'd expect Roseman to pursue - in fact, it's probably the furthest thing from his normal target.
However!
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I can actually envision a world in which Roseman makes a deal for Ekeler, if the trade price is right. Stick with me here.
Sure, Ekeler will be 28. But he only has one year left on his deal, meaning the risk is lower. If the Eagles' front office thinks they can be a Super Bowl contender again next season, a one-year rental on one of the best and most dynamic RBs in the league is a great gamble to take when you need a running back.
Ekeler's deal also means the Chargers have less leverage in trade talks. Teams like to trade for a few things: bargain contracts, and long-term team control of talent. This is neither of those things. A bidding war between teams would drive a potential price up, but not so far that it would get insane. And Roseman's a savvy trader, so he likely has a cut-off point anyway.
But, c'mon. Imagine this offense:
QB: Jalen Hurts
RB: Austin Ekeler
TE: Dallas Goedert
WR1: A.J. Brown
WR2: DeVonta Smith
And then remember they have one of the best tackle pairings in the league, the best center in the league, and a Pro Bowl tackle in Landon Dickerson.
It would be outrageous.
I'm not saying the Eagles should do it, and I certainly don't think they should force it. But I also don't think it's a crazy idea. Roseman has amassed his draft capital intentionally, and this wouldn't be an awful time to put that stash to use.
You certainly don't want to overreact and let recency bias color your decision-making, but you also don't want to sit on your hands when your roster has legit talent and the NFC is weak. Sometimes you go for it, and this wouldn't be a bad time for to double down.