Can the Eagles Pull Off a Deal for Jalen Ramsey?
Can the Eagles Pull Off a Deal for Jalen Ramsey?
How Realistic is it?
The possibility is exciting, but the possibility isn’t really a possibility. After Jacksonville Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey requested a trade a couple of weeks ago, rumors began to heat up connecting him with the most CB-needy team in football, the Philadelphia Eagles. At first, it looked like he was going to be shipped out fast, but now it appears that he won’t be shipped out at all. While Jacksonville could receive an absolute haul in exchange for the fourth-year pro, parting ways with a two-time Pro Bowler and former first-team All-Pro isn’t exactly something you want to do when you’re a hopeful playoff contender. Ramsey already came out and basically labeled his relationship with the team as irreparable, but owner Shad Khan refuses to budge on a deal. He said as recently as last night that “We’re still looking at what is the right thing for the Jaguars, and I think right now the best thing is to have him be part of the team.” The Eagles were reportedly rejected after offering a first and second-round pick. Howie Roseman remains the most involved general manager in football, so don’t expect this to fizzle out just yet.
Why Does Philadelphia Need Him?
Find a list of NFL pass defense rankings and scroll to the very bottom. That’s right, Philadelphia is dead last in passing yardage allowed per game. Just like last season, they’ve dealt with a litany of injuries to the same position. Jalen Mills and Cre’Von LeBlanc haven’t seen the field this season. Ronald Darby clearly wasn’t recovered from last year’s torn ACL and injured his hamstring as well. Speaking of hamstrings, Sidney Jones needs a fresh pair. Avonte Maddox was sent to the hospital by his own teammate. Assuming no other moves are made, the Eagles top three corners for their next game will be Rasul Douglas, Craig James (our hero), and Orlando Scandrick. If Sam Darnold does indeed return this week, he couldn’t have picked a better time. Even when 100% healthy, it’s just not that good of a group. If there’s been one thing consistent about the past decade of Eagles football, it’s been terrible cornerback play (looking at you Cary Williams… and Byron Maxwell… and Nnamdi Asomugha… and一). Ramsey could be the one to flip our fortunes.
Are There Other Options?
Like I said, even when healthy, this DB group just doesn’t excite me. If the Eagles can’t acquire Ramsey, they could look to Denver for Chris Harris, Jr. Harris has been in the upper echelon of NFL CBs for years, and he’s become disgruntled with the Broncos losing. Patrick Peterson is a superstar on a team that isn’t going anywhere, maybe the trade drama from last season could resurface. Those are also unlikely options, but it doesn’t hurt to throw out some ideas.
-By: Micah Jimoh