Eagles trade targets to improve the pass rush for the stretch run ahead

The Eagles pass rush has been off to a slow start this season. Through five games, they’ve only racked up 11 sacks, which puts them near the bottom of the league—just seven teams have fewer. The move to replace holdout Haason Reddick with Bryce Huff hasn’t exactly panned out yet. Huff has posted 0.5 sacks and two pressures, and while that technically beats Reddick’s zero (since he hasn’t even suited up yet), it’s still far from what the Eagles hoped for. Josh Sweat has only two sacks to his name, the same number as linebacker Zack Baun. Georgia’s trio of Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Jordan Davis have just one each. As for Brandon Graham, he’s been effective but hasn’t seen enough snaps to make a significant impact.

There’s hope that this group can turn things around, and the defense did show some life against Cleveland with a season-best five sacks. But let’s be real—GM Howie Roseman could still use another pass rusher to bolster this unit.

Luckily, the NFL trade season is in full swing. The deadline isn’t until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 5, but the sooner the Eagles make a move, the sooner a new player can get acclimated and make a difference. Let’s see if Roseman pulls the trigger.

Eagles could have extra ammunition at the trade deadline

Report: Eagles will receive 2026 second-round pick from Jets if Haason Reddick gets traded to NFC teamhttps://t.co/9InDJk6hnr

— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) October 15, 2024

Za’Darius Smith

If your team is looking for a veteran pass rusher, Smith could be had for cheap—probably just a 5th-round pick. The Browns are in full-on sell mode, and it seems like no one is off-limits. Sure, the big question is whether Cleveland will deal superstar Myles Garrett (more on that in a bit), but Smith, even at 32, still brings value as a rotational edge rusher.

In six games this season, Smith has put up solid numbers: three sacks, three QB hits, and two tackles for loss. Last season, he logged 5.5 sacks, and in 2022, he hit double digits with 10 sacks. The three-time Pro Bowler may be past his peak, but he’s still making an impact.

Maxx Crosby

The Raiders are in freefall, and sending Adams to the Jets pretty much confirms they’re throwing in the towel. But while the chaos unfolds in Vegas, Maxx Crosby is still doing his thing as one of the league’s top pass rushers. The guy’s a beast—three Pro Bowl nods, 27 sacks in the last two seasons, and 5.5 already this year.

Now, if the Eagles wanted to make a move for him, it’s going to cost—a lot. We’re talking a 2025 first-round pick at minimum, and potentially even two first-rounders plus a late-rounder in 2026. Sure, giving up a future first for a proven star like Crosby makes sense, but two firsts and more? That’s pushing it.

Howie Roseman should definitely pick up the phone, but if the price tag is that steep, it might be time to hang up and move on.

Myles Garrett

We mentioned one Cleveland player earlier, why not touch on the one everyone has their eyes on. So, if the Browns want to land a top quarterback in this year’s draft, they’ll need to stockpile some extra first-round picks. Trading Myles Garrett, their franchise face, could get them there. Still a monster on the defensive end at the age of 29, he’s set for a massive contract extension by the Browns or someone else.

Now, like Maxx Crosby, I’d be cool with the Eagles giving up a first-rounder and a 2026 Day 2 pick for Garret, but let’s be real, he’s probably going to cost two-first rounders. So, this price may simply be too steep for the Birds.

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