The Eagles' Draft Dilemma: To Trade or Not to Trade?
Every NFL draft season brings its own brand of drama, but when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles, the question isn’t just about who they’ll pick—it’s about how they’ll pick. Howie Roseman, the team’s general manager, has a reputation for being a draft-day magician, often shuffling picks like a deck of cards. This year, with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 draft, the speculation is already in overdrive: Will Roseman trade up, trade back, or stay put?
Personally, I think this is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Eagles’ strategy. Roseman’s history is a rollercoaster of bold moves and calculated risks. Since 2010, he’s traded up seven times, stayed put six times, and traded back just once. What makes this particularly fascinating is how these moves reflect his philosophy: he’s not afraid to go all-in for a player he believes in, but he’s also willing to play the long game.
The Trade-Up Temptation
Trading up has been Roseman’s go-to move, and it’s easy to see why. Players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham have become cornerstones of the franchise. Even Carson Wentz, despite his tumultuous exit, played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. But let’s be honest—not every trade-up has been a slam dunk. Andre Dillard, for instance, was a head-scratcher, and Jalen Carter’s inconsistent performance raises questions about the long-term value of such moves.
From my perspective, the allure of trading up lies in the potential to land a game-changer. The Eagles’ roster isn’t in dire need of an overhaul, but they could use a boost at key positions like offensive line, wide receiver, or edge rusher. Players like Miami’s Francis Mauigoa or Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor could be worth the gamble. But here’s the catch: trading up requires giving up future assets, and with a weaker draft class in 2026, is it worth the cost?
The Stay-Put Strategy
Staying put at No. 23 isn’t the flashiest option, but it’s often the smartest. The Eagles have had mixed results here, from Lane Johnson’s All-Pro career to Jalen Reagor’s bust status. What many people don’t realize is that staying put allows Roseman to take the best available player without sacrificing future draft capital. In a draft where the first round is perceived as underwhelming, this could be the safest bet.
One thing that immediately stands out is how well this aligns with the Eagles’ current roster. They don’t have gaping holes to fill, so drafting for long-term needs makes sense. If a top offensive lineman or edge rusher falls to them, great. If not, they can still find value without overreaching.
The Trade-Back Option
Trading back is the rarest of Roseman’s moves, and for good reason. The only time he did it, in 2014, he ended up with Marcus Smith, a player who became synonymous with draft-day disappointment. This raises a deeper question: Is trading back even worth considering?
In my opinion, trading back only makes sense if the Eagles are completely underwhelmed by the available talent at No. 23. But with their current stash of picks—including two in the third round—they’re already well-positioned for the future. Adding more picks might seem appealing, but it’s a risky move in a draft where the talent pool is shallow.
The Veteran Trade Wildcard
Then there’s the wildcard option: trading the pick for a proven veteran. This feels like a long shot, especially with the Eagles in cap conservation mode. Unless they offload a high-salary player like A.J. Brown, it’s hard to see them making a splashy move here. But if you take a step back and think about it, a veteran addition could be the missing piece to push them back into contention.
The Bigger Picture
What this really suggests is that Roseman’s decision will hinge on his confidence in this draft class. If he sees a player he believes can be a franchise cornerstone, he’ll trade up. If not, he’ll either stay put or look for other avenues to improve the team.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Roseman’s approach reflects the broader trends in NFL drafting. Teams are increasingly valuing flexibility and long-term planning over immediate impact. The Eagles, with their mix of veteran talent and young prospects, are in a unique position to capitalize on this.
My Take
Personally, I think trading up is the most likely—and most exciting—option. The Eagles have the ammunition, and their needs align with the strengths of this draft. But if I were Roseman, I’d be cautious. The cost of trading up could outweigh the potential reward, especially in a draft that lacks star power.
If you ask me, the smartest move might be to stay put. It’s not flashy, but it’s pragmatic. The Eagles can still find value at No. 23, and they’ll keep their future options open. After all, in a league where parity is the name of the game, sometimes the best move is the one that keeps you in the game for the long haul.
So, will Roseman trade up, trade back, or stay put? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: whatever he decides, it’ll be a move worth watching.
