BREAKING: Eagles set to land 2 out of 5 trade targets to upgrade defense
Following their bye week, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a tight victory over the Cleveland Browns. It was a step in the right way for both the offence and defence, but the victory did not instill confidence in the fans. There is hope for the offence now that A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith have returned. Despite a decent week, the defence still has problems and issues to overcome. Here are some potential Eagles trade targets.
Hard to Get but Major Potential: Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry
The Tennessee Titans have had a rough start to the season, but their defense isn’t to blame. In fact, the Titans’ defense has allowed the fewest yards so far this year, and they might decide to keep the unit intact. Jeffery Simmons, typically one of the league’s most dominant interior players, has had a slow start, but the Titans could still consider trading one of their stars to secure a large return, potentially to help them trade up for a quarterback or revamp their offensive line. Moving a player like Simmons would also free up $8 million in cap space for 2025. Although trading someone as talented as Simmons might be unlikely, Howie Roseman should still explore the possibility of adding him alongside Jalen Carter.
Harold Landry is another option who could seamlessly fit into the Eagles’ edge rush. Landry has had a strong start to the season, with four sacks and six tackles for loss in just five games. The Eagles’ pass rush has struggled, and Landry would provide an immediate solution, giving opposing offenses a player to worry about each week.
Two Likely Eagles Trade Targets: Ernest Jones and Za’darius Smith
There’s significant attention on the possibility of acquiring Maxx Crosby from the Raiders or Myles Garrett from the Browns, though these trades seem unlikely unless either player actively pushes for an exit. Za’Darius Smith, however, could be a more realistic option, as the struggling Browns might be open to trading him for a reasonable price.
Smith, who recently turned 32, is on a two-year contract with an option to move on in 2025. Rather than releasing him after the season, the Browns would probably prefer to get some draft picks in return before the trade deadline. Smith’s three sacks this season would currently lead the Eagles’ defense.
A similar situation exists with Ernest Jones, as the Titans may be interested in moving the linebacker, who is in the final year of his contract. Since being acquired from the Rams in the offseason, Jones has been a dependable player throughout his career and would represent an upgrade over Nakobe Dean, who has struggled with open-field tackles and block shedding.
The Golden Goose: Budda Baker
Budda Baker appears to have been an Eagles trade target for the past two years. As Baker enters the final year of his contract with the Arizona Cardinals, they may decide that re-signing him in the offseason is improbable and instead pursue a trade. Chauncey Gardner Johnson has been a letdown for the Eagles this season, playing a critical role in Vic Fangio’s defence.
Baker could come in immediately and improve either safety position, effecting both the run and pass game. Baker would command a hefty price, and other teams would compete for his services. If he gets shopped about, the Eagles should be at the top of the caller list.