Rumor: Eagles could look to trade out of 2022 NFL Draft

While they might not be trading for a quarterback this offseason, the Eagles’ first-round picks could still be on the move. According to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, an AFC executive said the Eagles could look to trade two of their three first-round picks in the 2022 Draft. The purpose of this would be to accumulate more picks next season while continuing to evaluate Jalen Hurts.

Mentioned this thought from an AFC executive in a couple interviews I did this week. He told me #Eagles could look to trade 2 of 3 2022 first-round picks to accumulate more draft capital in 2023. That way they’d evaluate Jalen Hurts for another year and still have extra picks.

— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) December 9, 2021

Currently, the Eagles hold the 12th, 13th, and 17th picks in the upcoming draft, with the Colts’ selection very close to conveying. The 2022 Draft is weak on quarterbacks, but is loaded on defense. Players like Derek Stingley Jr., Kyle Hamilton, Aidan Hutchinson, and so many others could provide a monumental boost to the Eagles’ defense.

Rumors have swirled regarding packaging the picks for a quarterback, but moving them elsewhere wouldn’t mean they’re out of the woods. The 2023 class is far more loaded with names like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud as headliners. So, if the Eagles want to kick the can down the road, it would make sense.

Depending on the trade, moving a first-rounder around the 15th pick would likely net the team two first-rounders, or a first and a second. Eventually, the selections will need to be made, and the accumulation will have to stop. But if you can get another first rounder in a more stacked draft class, it’s a move that needs to be done.

Any trade will likely not occur until right before the draft starts, as teams will be more desperate to hand over larger amounts of draft capital. The Eagles gained their third first-rounder by doing this last season with the Miami Dolphins. At the same time, there’s the possibility the Eagles turn those extra draft picks into Russell Wilson or another trade target if they need to fork over more assets.

With how Howie Roseman is, there will certainly be no end to the amount of rumors this upcoming offseason. In the meantime, the Eagles have this weekend off before a crucial battle against the Washington Football Team.

Mandatory Credit: The Athletic