Eagles face $5M guaranteed contract questions as trade deadline looms

The Philadelphia Eagles must decide by November 10 how aggressively to sell players before the NFL trade deadline. This decision follows a 38-21 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys that extended the team's losing streak to five games. The result exposed deep flaws in a defensive unit that was expected to be the roster's strength.

Inquirer columnist David Murphy and Jeff McLane discussed the roster options available to general manager Howie Roseman. They noted that while fans often hope for a major fire sale, such moves are rare in the league. Teams are reluctant to give up high-value future draft picks for players who are currently underperforming. Roseman has already moved Cam Jurgens, but the market for his remaining players is limited.

On the defensive side, Moro Ojomo is in his fourth year. The organization has signaled it will not re-sign him, having invested in Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. McLane suggested Ojomo could fetch a third-round pick if traded. Riq Woolen had a poor performance against Dallas and may be a candidate for a move to a team using a man-press scheme. A fifth-round pick might be the realistic return for him.

Zack Baun is another defensive option. He is aging but still productive. His contract value for the next season is partially guaranteed. McLane identified Baun as a potential trade candidate alongside Ojomo and Woolen.

The offensive discussion focused heavily on Marquise Brown. He is due $5 million in guaranteed money for the season. Despite a few catches against Dallas, he has underperformed since joining the team. McLane called Brown's presence a mystery and viewed his retention as a minor mistake from a poor offseason.

Murphy argued that attracting a trade offer for Brown is a long shot. He compared the situation to the team acquiring Jaelan Phillips for a third-round pick last year. Murphy noted that most trade returns in the NFL are low, often involving fifth-round picks or lower. He questioned whether the internal dysfunction caused by moving pieces is worth the minimal capital returned.

Landon Dickerson is in a contract year. McLane initially mentioned him as a trade candidate. However, Murphy disagreed. He argued that Dickerson should be part of the solution rather than a piece to be moved. Trading him would remove a stabilizing force from the offensive line. This would negatively impact younger players like Eli Stowers and Makai Lemon.

Rookie quarterback Cole Payton is another player to watch. The team has kept him on the roster for a reason. Murphy suggested that moving Dickerson to make room for Payton does not make sense. Payton needs quality teammates to develop. The Eagles must balance their need for draft capital with the requirement to field a competitive team for the next two weeks.