With two edge rushers on injured reserve heading into Week 5, it would behoove the Philadelphia Eagles to go get another proven DE to strengthen the group before the trade deadline.
Currently sitting at 0-4, the New Orleans Saints, who are now led by former Eagles OC Kellen Moore, could soon be shedding some good players in exchange for future draft capital.
While the Saints very well may want to keep defensive end Carl Granderson around for their likely-imminent rebuild, Granderson’s profile is exactly what Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio looks for in his edges: length (he’s 6-foot-5), strength and the ability to disrupt consistently.
There’s the legit question as to whether the Saints would agree to part with him, but he’s someone Philly should absolutely be calling about regardless. Let’s discuss.
Eagles Hurting at DE & Could Use a Difference-Maker
GettyShould the Philadelphia Eagles try to trade for DE Carl Granderson?
To say the Eagles are in need of pass rushing help is putting it mildly. Philadelphia’s top pass rusher Nolan Smith is currently on injured reserve with a triceps strain and isn’t expected back until around the Week 9 bye.
Nee addition Ogbo Okoronkwo also just went to IR with a torn triceps. Those losses have pushed more snaps onto Jalyx Hunt and situational rushers Josh Uche and Patrick Johnson, and recent signee Za’Darius Smith is also being folded into the rotation.
Azeez Ojulari has been a healthy scratch for the bulk of the season and will likely see action soon. That’s a lot of uncertainty for a squad looking for its second straight Super Bowl. Adding Granderson would certainly help.
Eagles Trade Proposal Sends DE Carl Granderson to Philadelphia
After breaking out in 2023 with career highs in tackles (78) and sacks (8.5) while leading New Orleans in QB hits (20), Granderson followed with 5.5 sacks across 17 games in 2024. He’s started 2025 on an absolute tear—he has 4.5 sacks through four weeks—so he’s playing the best football of his career right now.
Here’s a trade proposal we put together that might get the Saints to listen:
- Philadelphia Eagles receive: DE Carl Granderson
- New Orleans Saints receive: 2026 3rd-round pick (conditional: becomes a 2nd if Granderson hits 9+ sacks or Eagles make NFC Championship in 2025)
- 2026 4th-round pick
Granderson, 28, is under club control on a four-year, $52 million extension he signed in September 2023, a deal the Saints tweaked this spring by converting 2025 salary to bonus. If they do decide to free up cap space for the future and unload some pricier vets, he could be on the exit list — and the Eagles should pounce.
His 2023 tape showed he could anchor versus the run (14 TFL) and still convert speed to power from wide or tight alignments. This year’s early production suggests he’s trending toward another career year. Philadelphia, in need of edge help and in win-now mode, is the type of bidder that can make it worth New Orleans’ while.
Granderson’s trajectory and contract make him a rare potential trade target who could help both immediately and beyond this season. If Howie Roseman wants a move that makes sense both on tape and on paper, this might be it.
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