The Philadelphia Eagles made the biggest coup of last year’s offseason, signing Saquon Barkley who turned in one of the greatest years in running back history. Could general manager Howie Roseman and the Birds do the same again after winning a Super Bowl?
The Eagles have been linked to four-time All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett, who has demanded a trade from the Cleveland Browns to play for a contender. The Browns have reiterated they will not trade Garrett, but the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has no desire to continue his career with a faltering franchise.
The Eagles currently have $22 million in cap space to use. If they do trade for Garrett, they would have to give up a substantial haul of draft capital, most likely including at least two first-round draft picks.
However, one top NFL insider reveals how the Eagles could fit Garrett onto the roster despite the current cap limitations.
NFL insider: Philadelphia Eagles’ interest in Myles Garrett is ‘real’
In what should excite Eagles fans, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that the team’s interest in Garrett “is real.”
“Garrett could be this year’s version of Saquon Barkley for Howie,” one NFL GM told The Athletic. “He’s an impact add and isn’t a free-agent overpay. Howie’s not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team.”
But how would the Eagles be able to fit Garrett on the roster? According to Russini, it would be by letting their top free agents walk, including All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun.
“Linebacker Zack Baun was a free-agent gem Roseman found last offseason, but he is now poised to cash in,” Russini reports. “Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, DT Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton headline Philly’s free agent class, and bringing all or even some of them back could prove challenging, especially if Garrett enters the picture — and you can be certain Roseman will have Philly in the conversation for Garrett.”
Garrett still has two years remaining on his $125 million contract with no guaranteed money left. If the Eagles do acquire Garrett, they will certainly sign him to a contract extension.
Over eight seasons in Cleveland, Garrett has recorded 102.5 sacks, 116 tackles for loss, 200 quarterback hits, and 20 forced fumbles.
