NFL Trade Deadline: Eagles targeting an old friend at linebacker

Victor Williams
October 30, 2023
Eagles
1 Comment

Despite having the NFL’s best record through eight weeks, Eagles GM Howie Roseman is never satisfied with his roster.

Philadelphia has added WR Julio Jones and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard in recent weeks, but the team is still reportedly “poking around” the trade market ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

The Eagles want to make another move even after adding safety and five-time Titans captain Kevin Byard. I expect Howie Roseman to be busy Monday morning. He’s poking around at linebacker.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 29, 2023

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As Russini states above, linebacker has been an area of focus for Roseman throughout his inquiries. No players have been directly linked to the Eagles as of yet, but a source confirms there has been interest in Vikings LB Jordan Hicks.

Hicks, 31, was originally a third-round pick by the Eagles in 2015 and has since played for Arizona and Minnesota. The Texas product was unable to stay healthy during his Philadelphia tenure but hasn’t missed a game in five seasons and would serve as a reliable option for Sean Desai’s defense.

Hicks is in the final year of his two-year, $10M deal and is only owed $2.5M in prorated salary for the remainder of 2023. After losing Kirk Cousins to a torn Achilles, the Vikings may decide to pack it in and offload expiring contracts.

The Eagles have rotated Zach Cunningham, Nakobe Dean, and Nicholas Morrow at LB and could certainly use another veteran for their impending playoff run.

Jordan Hicks this season

80.0 PFF Grade (13th among LBs)
69 tackles, 38 solo
1 INT, 1 FF
2 fumble recoveries

Hicks also ranks top-10 in pass-coverage, something the Eagles need after letting Jahan Dotson go off for 108 yards from the slot yesterday. Ironically enough, Hicks owns an interception off Dak Prescott — the QB Philadelphia will be facing this weekend.

The Eagles restructured Kevin Byard’s contract to create an additional $700k in cap space, so a move is likely on the horizon.

Teams have until 4 PM Tuesday to finalize any trades.

A Jordan Hicks scoop and a Jordan Hicks score!

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— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023