The Philadelphia Eagles are 3-0 to start the season, and by many people’s calculations should be one of the favorites to win it all – or certainly be the NFC’s representative in the Big Game.
Normally, prior to the trade deadline, teams in good positions to succeed look to plug a hole – if only a temporary one, through the trade market. The Eagles, for example, could be smart to consider making a move for a starting boundary corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
And according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Eagles could end up doing just that, writing, “I still think the Eagles might not be done at cornerback and could survey the market”, on Wednesday.
However, Fowler also sees the reigning Super Bowl champions as possible sellers, with one specific player in mind – offseason free agent acquisition, Azeez Ojulari.
“On a smaller scale, Azeez Ojulari is a healthy scratch right now in Philly.” Fowler wrote.
“One team that could be looking for pass-rush help is the Chargers, who are without Khalil Mack in the short term and did not apply enough pressure on Denver quarterback Bo Nix in Week 3. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz previously worked in Baltimore, which values draft picks above all else, but his team is 3-0 and could use a boost on the edge.”
The Eagles Could Look To Deal Edge Rusher After Lack Of Opportunity
Sitting behind Jalyx Hunt, Za’Darius Smith, Joshua Uche, camp surprise standout, Patrick Johnson and the now IR-listed Nolan Smith, Ojulari has not managed to register even one defensive snap.
Indeed, he has been a healthy scratch for the past few games, not even making the game-day roster.
When Ojulari was bought in by Philadelphia this past offseason on a one-year $3 million deal, it was widely thought that he could end up being an important part of the edge rushing rotation along with Hunt and Smith.
However, he did not impress in training camp, and the team not only bought in Smith on a one year, $9 million deal to shore up the unit, but then relegated him to the third-string alongside Ogbo Okoronkwo – who has also yet to suit up for Philly in 2025.
Why A Trade For Ojulari Makes Sense For Both Teams
Ojulari may not be impressing Vic Fangio and the Eagles’ defensive staff enough to get on the field, but he is still a somewhat proven commodity in the league.
The former New York Giant has 22 career sacks, including 6 last season operating as the third edge rusher behind Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns in the Big Apple.
The Chargers – as Fowler observes – need some help on the edge in the wake of Mack’s injury, and currently start a duo of Tuli Tuipulotu and 11th year veteran, Bud Dupree, with little NFL– tested talent beneath them on the depth chart.
Ojulari may not be the sexiest name on the planet for Jim Harbaugh and Joe Ortiz to make a move for, but if they are looking for an experienced, proven commodity that they can acquire on the cheap, the former Georgia man makes about as much sense as anyone.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Eagles Predicted To Send Healthy-Scratch Edge To The AFC West appeared first on Heavy Sports.