In a move that was expected by most draft experts and insiders, the Eagles have moved a 2022 first-round pick back to 2023 by securing a huge trade that’ll send the No. 16, No. 19, and No. 194 to the Saints for the No. 18, No. 101, No. 237, a 2023 first-round pick, and 2024 second-round pick in return.
The move gives New Orleans an extra first-round pick while giving Philadelphia an extra draft asset over the next two years.
A major shakeup to this year’s draft.
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With the move now finalized and Philadelphia slotted at No. 15 and No. 18, here are four takeaways from the trade.
Jan 16, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks to pass the ball in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Nothing spells pressure for a quarterback like your franchise securing another first-round pick one year prior to one of the most quarterback-loaded NFL drafts in recent history.
The Eagles have said all the correct things in regards to supporting Hurts and building around the third-year quarterback, but the facts remain that the dual-threat signal-caller must take tremendous steps as a passer and repeat his playoff performance or risk watching Howie Roseman target one of a handful of talented passers.
Oct 14, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman checks his phone before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans was desperate, so this can’t be considered a fleece, but Roseman clearly won another deal over an opposing NFL GM.
Philadelphia parted with two first-round picks but received another one back in 2022 and one in 2023.
The deal basically landed Philadelphia a third-rounder, 2023 first, and a 2024 second for the 16th pick.
Mar 23, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson runs after making the catch during the Ohio State Pro Day at the Woody Hayes Facility. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia is still in a position to land a talented player at No. 15 and No. 18 while saving guaranteed money on a third first-round pick. The move also puts pressure on Howie Roseman to hit on both picks, landing instant impact players.
Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) throws a pass against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) during the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alabama won 41-24. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
If Hurts takes the next steps as a passer, then Philadelphia will have two more opportunities to build around their quarterback and they could potentially take a shot at acquiring Will Anderson Jr.
If Hurts falters, the Eagles will have opportunities to land Bryce Young (Alabama), CJ Stroud (Ohio State), or one of the other strong-armed passers.
Saints’ Alvin Kamara (41) rushes against the Eagles Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 24-21.
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Depending on what happens with New Orleans, they could be a 2022 playoff team or a team that because of a difficult schedule, a new head coach, and Jameis Winston coming off a knee injury, a team that finds itself picking in the top-10.
