The NFL trade deadline is slated for October 31, and with the expected Halloween deals likely to make it a historic day, we’re tracking whether Philadelphia will be buyers ahead of the stretch run.
The Eagles are 5-1 on the season, have one of the NFL’s top defensive units, and could add more pressure off the edge or a difference-maker at the safety position.
With preparation for the Week 7 matchup against Miami underway, we’re looking at seven players Philadelphia should consider targeting.
1
S Justin Simmons
A three time All-Pro and one of the best safeties in the NFL, Simmons would represent an obvious ugrade at one safety spot opposite Reed Blankenship.
2
S Budda Baker
Baker would represent a good fit for this Eagles defense, and he’s familiar with the Eagles scheme thanks to new Cardinals head coach, Jonathan Gannon.
3
S Kyle Dugger
Dugger had two pick-sixes last season on three interceptions and is a physical run defender in the box.
4
S Kevin Byard
Byard’s 2023 salary was reduced to $4 million before the season, and he wants to win a Super Bowl.
He’s not a long-term solution at the safety position, but he’d bring a veteran presence and playmaking ability.
5
TE Zach Ertz
Ertz earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2017-2019 and holds the record for the most catches in a single season by a tight end with 116 back in 2018.
Arizona is 1-5 on the season and Ertz could provide a strong target in the red zone for a team with eyes on playoff contention.
Ertz makes sense for a team dealing with injuries, and struggling in the red zone.
6
CB Jaylon Johnson, Bears
Johnson is a very talented cornerback who owns an 84.1 coverage grade so far in 2023, the fifth-best mark among cornerbacks with at least 50 coverage snaps.
Among cornerbacks who have faced at least ten targets, Johnson’s 41.7% completion rate allowed ranks fourth, his 73 yards allowed ranks eighth and his 16.7% forced incompletion rate ranks tied for 17th. He has also not missed a tackle in coverage.
7
Devin Bush, LB, Seattle Seahawks
A former first-round pick who can play linebacker and move like a safety, Bush has only three tackles, on 57 snaps in three games after making 81 tackles for the Steelers last season. Bush can help a team looking for a solid tackler and a linebacker who can cover.
