Eagles WR Josh Huff Arrested
Eagles wide receiver Josh Huff was arrested earlier today, as Stephen McKenzie of CBS3 tweets. Huff was pulled over for speeding and when cops approached his vehicle, they found a gun and marijuana. 
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The Eagles are now gathering more information on the incident, but the league does not look favorably on reckless handgun possession. If it is found that Huff does not have a proper permit for the weapon, he may face significant legal consequences as well.
Howard Eskin of FOX29 in Philly reports (via Twitter) that Huff was also found with six hollow point bullets. Each of these bullets may lead to their own, individual charges.
Huff, an Oregon product, was a third-round pick of Chip Kelly‘s Eagles’ in 2014. This season, the 25-year-old has 13 catches for 72 yards and one touchdown plus a 98-yard kick return touchdown.
2016 NFL Trade Deadline Primer
The 2016 NFL trade deadline is just hours away. This is the last chance of the season for contending teams to deal for a key piece for the playoff push and final opportunity for rebuilding clubs to make a future-minded deal. This year, there are a number of players who have been mentioned in trade rumors that could be changing jerseys between now and the 4pm ET/3pm CT deadline.
Naturally, cap room will be as much of a factor for teams as their positional needs. As Albert Breer of The MMQB (Twitter links) outlines, some teams have a great deal of space to work with while others have very little. The Browns, 49ers, Jaguars, and Titans all have enough cap space to acquire just about any contract. The Chargers, Rams, and Vikings, meanwhile, all have less than $1MM of room to work with.
Historically, the NFL trade deadline hasn’t brought a ton of action, but yesterday we saw a surprise blockbuster go down when the Patriots traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns. We just might be in store for more major news today.
Here’s a rundown of the big names that have been mentioned in trade rumors over the past couple of weeks:
Browns OT Joe Thomas: Thomas, a lifelong member of the Browns, has made it clear that he does not want to be traded. Coach Hue Jackson flatly said that the tackle would not be dealt between now and the deadline. Still, rival GMs aren’t so sure that top exec Sashi Brown won’t pull the trigger on a deal anyway. 
The Browns remain winless and it only makes sense that the team would explore dealing Thomas for draft considerations. However, the Browns already have quite a stockpile and they even drew from that surplus yesterday to acquire linebacker Jamie Collins from the Patriots. All month long, there has been talk of Cleveland selling off its parts with an eye on 2017 and beyond. Now, one has to wonder if A. they are still inclined to sell and B. they could even look to acquire name players this afternoon.
The Giants have expressed interest in Thomas, but they get the impression that Cleveland is going to hold on to him. The Vikings, Colts, Seahawks, Cardinals, Broncos, and Patriots could also use some help up front, but it’s not clear which of those clubs have reached out. Previous reports have indicated that the Browns were seeking a second-round choice for the veteran, but teams might have to sweeten the pot further if they are truly leaning towards keeping him.
Browns CB Joe Haden: Teams are reportedly scouting Haden in advance of the deadline. Once regarded as one of the league’s best young corners, Haden has been slowed by injuries in recent years. Any team that would take on Haden and his considerable salary wants to know exactly where he stands with his ankle, hamstring, and other assorted maladies.
At the midway point of the season, Pro Football Focus has Haden ranked as the 29th best corner in the NFL. That indicates Haden is an above-average starter, but not an elite player at the position. Haden is in year two of his five-year, $67.5MM extension and a cornerback-needy team like the Dolphins could explore a deal. But, as with Thomas, it’s not clear if the Browns are willing to sell. Haden is under contract through 2019 and won’t turn 28 until April. There’s not much he can do for the Browns in 2016, but he could still be a vital piece going forward.
In related news, the Browns are reportedly open to trading fellow corner Tramon Williams. The Packers are thin at cornerback and a reunion would make a lot of sense.
Eagles Still Exploring WR Trade, Torrey Smith Remains A Possibility
We heard last week that the Eagles, who are desperate for wide receiver help, were discussing a potential trade for the 49ers‘ Torrey Smith, but both Philadelphia and San Francisco refuted those reports just several days later. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said today that the Eagles are continuing to explore a trade for a receiver, and that the Smith talks are still alive. Florio added that it is unclear whether Philadelphia has its eyes on any other receiver at this point.
- Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com says he would not be surprised if Eagles GM Howie Roseman at least made a call to the Browns to inquire about Josh Gordon.
Which Vets Could Eagles Trade?
There’s a lot of talk about receivers the Eagles could acquire, but which players could they look to trade themselves? Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com runs down some candidates, including linebacker Mychal Kendricks. The Eagles are somewhat thin at linebacker, but it seems defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz isn’t that high on Kendricks and other teams would probably use him more than Philly has. Other suggested trade candidates include interior offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, defensive end Connor Barwin, and running back Ryan Mathews.
- The Cowboys had interest in Chase Daniel as a backup quarterback during the offseason, Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram tweets. However, that was before the Eagles made Daniel the league’s highest-paid reserve QB.
Pryor Among WRs Eagles Could Target In Trade
- Doug Pederson attempted to cool off trade buzz surrounding the Eagles and wide receivers, but the team has been linked to Torrey Smith. Among NJ.com’s list of targets for the Eagles are Michael Floyd, Alshon Jeffery, Smith and, perhaps most interestingly, Terrelle Pryor. Categorizing the Browns’ top 2016 playmaker as unlikely to re-sign with Cleveland, the sides’ extension talks and Pryor’s history in Ohio notwithstanding, NJ.com lists the converted quarterback as a trade candidate for Philly.
Eagles’ Pederson Denies WR Trade Interest
Will the Eagles make a move for a wide receiver between now and the November trade deadline? Despite rumors linking them to Torrey Smith of the 49ers, coach Doug Pederson says that no such deal is brewing. 
“I’m happy with the guys we have,” Pederson told reporters moments ago (Twitter link via Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com).
Pederson went on to say that he is happy with the group of receivers that he already has. That group is anchored by Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, and Josh Huff with support from offseason trade acquisition Dorial Green-Beckham and waiver pickup Bryce Treggs. That may not be the most talented WR bunch in the NFL, but the Eagles might not need to tinker with things too much as they stand at 4-2. It’s also worth mentioning that both of the Eagles’ losses were tightly contested games. They fell 24-23 to the Lions and 27-20 to the Redskins. Meanwhile, they have notable wins over the Steelers and Vikings.
If Pederson opts to make changes to his receiver group, he could also turn to practice squad WRs Byron Marshall, Paul Turner, and David Watford.
Opinion: Is Torrey Smith A Fit For Eagles?
Would a Torrey Smith trade make sense for the Eagles? Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com points out that fans should not focus on Smith’s stats as he has only 13 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. The Niners’ offense has struggled and that, of course, includes their massive issues at quarterback. At the same time, he is in the second year of a five-year, $40MM contract with $22MM guaranteed. As much as the Eagles might want an impact receiver, that’s a high price tag for a player of his caliber. Ultimately, Smith is a 27-year-0ld deep threat that is worth exploring, but the Eagles will have to consider his salary and the compensation they’d have to send back.
49ers, Eagles Discussing Torrey Smith
The 49ers are open to trading receiver Torrey Smith, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who adds that the sixth-year man is garnering interest from multiple teams (Twitter link). The Eagles are among those clubs, but no deal is imminent, reports Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk. Smith joins left tackle Joe Staley as big-name 49ers who are reportedly on the block as next Tuesday’s trade deadline approaches.
After spending the first four years of his career in Baltimore, Smith became a free agent in March 2015 and agreed to head to San Francisco on a five-year, $40MM deal with $22MM guaranteed. The 49ers’ struggles under center since last season have negatively affected Smith, who has caught just 43 passes and six touchdowns in 23 games.
Smith’s production has declined in the Bay Area, but he has still averaged an outstanding 18.7 yards per reception and continued his career-long iron man streak. The 27-year-old has appeared in 87 straight regular-season games since going in the second round of the 2011 draft.
As a member of the Ravens, the ex-Maryland Terrapin averaged 53 catches, 898 yards and nearly eight touchdowns per season. That type of production would benefit Philadelphia, which could use another threat at wideout to accompany Jordan Matthews. The Eagles’ second- and third-best receivers, Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham, haven’t been particularly productive this season.
Smith is making $4.5MM and carries a $7.6MM cap number this year. The remaining three seasons of his contract include a $6.5MM annual salary and $9.6MM yearly cap hit.
Eagles Claim Taylor Hart From 49ers
The Eagles have claimed defensive tackle Taylor Hart off waivers from the 49ers and signed cornerback Aaron Grymes to their practice squad, Adam Caplan of ESPN was among those to report (Twitter link). The club has also placed cornerback Ron Brooks on injured reserve and released offensive lineman Matt Rotheram.
Hart will now return to Philadelphia, which selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. After a rookie year in which he totaled 14 appearances, including one start, and 12 tackles, Hart was unable to survive the Eagles’ final cuts in September. The 49ers, led by former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, then claimed Hart, but he only made one appearance with San Francisco before it cut him. Hart also played under Kelly at Oregon.
Brooks ruptured his quadriceps tendon in the Eagles’ 21-10 win over the Vikings on Sunday, so his placement on IR comes as no surprise. Grymes, who was previously with the Eagles over the summer, worked out for the club Monday before signing and will provide extra organizational depth in Brooks’ absence.
Eagles CB Ron Brooks Ruptures Quad
Eagles cornerback Ron Brooks suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon in Sunday’s win over the Vikings, a source tells Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Brooks will require surgery and he likely will not be fully healthy until training camp in July. Needless to say, the corner will be shut down for the season and placed on IR. 
Brooks, 28, joined the Eagles as a free agent in March, following defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz from Buffalo along with Nigel Bradham and Leodis McKelvin. Prior to this season, Brooks started just three games in his career. This year, he started in five of six games as the team’s slot cornerback.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are meeting with cornerback Aaron Grymes today, according to Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic (on Twitter). Grymes was a standout for the Eagles over the summer but was waived after suffering a shoulder injury. Grymes will take a physical at the team’s Novacare Complex and, if everything checks out, he could rejoin the team this week.
Brooks is in the first year of a three-year, $5.5MM deal, though the pact only includes $1.55MM guaranteed.