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Lions Trade RB D’Andre Swift To Eagles

April 29th, 2023 at 10:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

After the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round, the writing appeared on the wall for D’Andre Swift. Two days later, Detroit will part ways with its 2020 second-round pick.

The fourth-year back is headed to the Eagles in a Saturday swap, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. While this is yet another Georgia alum coming to the Eagles, Swift is a Philadelphia native.

The Eagles are sending the Lions No. 219 this year and a 2025 fourth-rounder, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. In exchange, Detroit will send No. 249 this year to Philly, Schefter adds (on Twitter). Swift is tied to just a $1.77MM 2023 base salary.

Pre-draft reports connected the Eagles to Bijan Robinson, but after the Texas running back went to the Falcons at No. 8, the Eagles traded up one spot to select Jalen Carter. In a Georgia-filled weekend for the defending NFC champions, they will acquire a contract-year running back. Swift joins Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and free agent signing Rashaad Penny on Philly’s roster. Swift’s camp had spoken to the Lions about a scenery change.

It should be expected the Eagles’ Miles Sanders replacement effort is complete via this trade and the Penny addition. While Swift has dealt with some injury issues, he represents a much safer bet than Penny, who is coming off yet another major malady. Swift has missed 10 games in three seasons but showed flashes as a dual-threat option during his three-year Detroit stay.

Swift has 25 career touchdowns, posted 1,069 scrimmage yards in 14 games in 2021 and averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season. However, the Lions primarily used Jamaal Williams as their 2022 ball carrier. Swift only received 99 totes last season. This course change caused Swift to voice frustration about his reduced role. The Lions have since signed David Montgomery to a three-year, $18MM deal and drafted Gibbs, who will complement the ex-Bears back and work as a receiving threat.

Swift, 24, battled ankle trouble last season, a shoulder problem in 2021 and missed two games because of a concussion in 2020. He also ripped off back-to-back 130-plus-yard rushing games in 2021, raising his profile. The Eagles, who have featured top-shelf rushing attacks in each of the past two years, will see if they can coax quality production from the former No. 35 overall pick. Swift will join former high school teammate Olamide Zaccheaus as offseason Eagles additions.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/29/23

April 29th, 2023 at 9:33pm CST by Adam La Rose

Today’s lone minor move in the NFL, as another draft has come and gone:

Philadelphia Eagles

A former UDFA out of Florida State, Wilson played in only one game over each of the past two seasons, both with the Eagles. The 24-year-old saw Philadelphia add to their defensive interior in the first (Jalen Carter) and seventh (Moro Ojomo) rounds during the draft, lessening his chances of making the 53-man roster. He will now look for a new home in the post-draft roster building phase.

Texans Acquire No. 62 From Eagles, Draft C Juice Scruggs

April 28th, 2023 at 8:09pm CST by Ely Allen

The Eagles fielded calls on moving back from No. 30. With the penultimate pick in the second round, the defending NFC champions will slide down a bit. The Texans moved up to No. 62. To move down three spots to No. 65, the Eagles will pick up Nos. 188 and 230. The Texans will take Penn State offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.

Scruggs continues a bit of a second-round run on centers, slotting in as the third center off the board behind Wisconsin’s Joe Tippmann and Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz. The third Nittany Lion off the board, and the second in as many picks, Scruggs brings ideal size, strength, and acumen to Houston.

Scruggs had to come back from a serious car accident in 2019, suffering a break of his L3 vertebra after being thrown from the vehicle in the wreck. Instead of risking spinal surgery that could end his career, he allowed it to heal naturally and slowly, eventually rehabbing back into playing shape. He returned to become a captain in Happy Valley.

Scruggs reads defenses well before the snap and masterfully reacts to defensive line stunts and twists. He has strength to push blocks into the next level, but when overpowered, Scruggs can struggle to recover.

After releasing Justin Britt, the Texans re-signed Scott Quessenberry, who ranked dead last in the NFL out of 36 qualifying centers, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). This should provide Scruggs with an immediate starting opportunity at center in 2023. If not, Scruggs can provide some strong competition or depth on the interior with experience at both center and guard at Penn State.

Latest On Eagles’ Jalen Carter Selection

April 28th, 2023 at 2:51pm CST by Adam La Rose

One of the key questions heading into last night’s first round was how far down the board Jalen Carter would fall. In the end, the Eagles traded up one spot (to No. 9) to draft the controversial defensive tackle.

Carter’s pre-draft process included two potential red flags for NFL teams: the fatal accident he was involved in following the Bulldogs’ national championship, and an underwhelming Pro Day performance. The former resulted in a plea agreement being reached which ensures he will not face jail time. The latter was representative of his standing amongst his coaches.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes that members of the Georgia staff “are not [Carter] fans,” adding “they weren’t bashful about saying so” in the lead-in to the draft. The All-American’s character has come into question in the wake of his troublesome offseason, and whispers emerged around draft night that Carter overcame those poor evaluations to remain a target for the Eagles – a team which has added four Bulldogs defenders in the past two drafts, including three first-rounders. To no surprise, the team’s decision was a key talking point after the opening round concluded.

“We spent a lot of time investigating the incident around it,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said, via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We talked to Jalen about a variety of things. We’re not going to get into what we talk to our players about… But at the end of the day, nobody’s hiding from the fact that a tragic event happened.”

Carter himself said the Eagles “really didn’t ask much about the accident” in their evaluation of him. Philadelphia was often named as a logical landing spot for a number of reasons, including their positioning in the top-10 of the draft order. Carter only visited with teams set to pick in that range, though some reportedly took him off their draft boards altogether. The Eagles’ need to add to their defensive front (as they did in 2022 with Jordan Davis, one of several former Georgia teammates Carer is set to re-join) made it little surprise when they traded up to select him.

Plenty of attention will be on Carter given the questions surrounding his ability to translate his college production to the NFL level and grow from the events of the recent past. Scrutiny will no doubt follow the Eagles if he is unable to do so, though the team is clearly confident he will become a long-term contributor on one of the league’s best rosters.

Falcons, Raiders, Titans, Pats, Rams Tried To Trade Into Round 1; Eagles Fielded Calls

April 28th, 2023 at 1:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

1:30pm: The Patriots and Rams also made efforts to trade back into the first round, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. Levis visited the Pats just before the meeting deadline last week, driving some intrigue around a team that is not in a great place with its quarterback. The Bill Belichick–Mac Jones relationship encountered some turbulence last season.

The Rams may not have been trying to land a QB, given Matthew Stafford‘s contract situation, but the veteran has run into a few injury issues as of late. The Rams hold the No. 36 overall pick; the Pats’ first Day 2 choice arrives at No. 46.

1:05pm: Will Levis might end up leaving Kansas City with some bad memories, but his freefall may have a market forming ahead of the draft’s second night. Teams were interested in coming back into Round 1, with Levis being the most likely reason for the efforts.

Specifically, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes the Falcons, Raiders and Titans “desperately” tried to trade back into Round 1 (Twitter link). While these teams were not desperate enough to offer a trade that made one of last year’s playoff teams move out of the first, it does set up a fascinating backdrop for the draft’s continuation tonight.

The Eagles were one of the teams to receive calls about moving down — from No. 30 — and NFL.com’s James Palmer adds (on Twitter) teams were interested in trading back into the first round to secure a fifth-year option on a quarterback. Multiple teams called the Eagles about their second first-round pick, but the defending NFC champions stood pat and selected Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith.

Teams were believed to already be calling the Steelers about No. 32 last night, and those conversations look to be continuing today. Although No. 32 is normally a first-round slot, a team convincing the Steelers to move down would not secure a fifth-year option. Only players chosen in Round 1 have those clauses in their contracts. Prospects chosen from the second round and down are tied to four-year rookie deals. This matters a bit more with quarterbacks, and Levis will be the center of attention going into the second round.

A report from ESPN’s Chris Mortensen indicated teams had concerns over a toe injury Levis previously battled, though the veteran reporter did not confirm this was the sole reason Levis fell (Twitter link), it may provide a bit more clarity as to why every team with a first-round pick passed on the high-profile Kentucky prospect. Not every team buys into this sudden toe concern, with one GM expressing considerable skepticism (via Florio) that is the reason everyone passed. Mortensen also notes multiple teams tried to trade back into Round 1.

The Titans, who are not exactly committed to Ryan Tannehill as their 2023 starter, discussed trading up to the Cardinals’ No. 3 spot; Tennessee was believed to have targeted C.J. Stroud, whom Houston ended up taking. When the Cardinals found a taker to move ahead of the Colts, it was the Texans with a Will Anderson Jr. aim. The Titans hold the No. 41 overall pick tonight. That sits behind the Raiders’ second-round pick (No. 38) but ahead of the Falcons’ (No. 44). The Levis matter may end up being decided via trade-up and not by the draft order.

Las Vegas gave Jimmy Garoppolo a three-year deal, though the guarantees would allow the team to escape the contract with a modest dead-money hit after one season. But after Jarrett Stidham chose the Broncos, only 37-year-old Brian Hoyer resides behind Garoppolo on the Raiders’ depth chart. The Raiders hosted Levis and Hendon Hooker on pre-draft visits; the Silver and Black were believed to be impressed with Hooker, who expects Week 1 clearance from ACL surgery. Hooker enjoyed late momentum but did not sneak into the first round. The Falcons, who have pledged support for 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder, also hosted Levis. Atlanta rosters a capable backup in Taylor Heinicke but was connected to QBs ahead of the draft.

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. slotted Levis as the 11th-best prospect in this draft; every other player in the database’s top 18 is off the board. Levis figures to be picked early in Round 2, and the Steelers have likely heard from this trio of teams about a trade. If the Steelers stay at No. 32, the Cardinals — at 33 — would have another opportunity collect future assets.

Eagles Select LB Nolan Smith With Pick No. 30

April 27th, 2023 at 10:45pm CST by Ben Levine

The defending NFC champions improved their defense earlier tonight when they selected Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the No. 9 pick. Philly is adding another Georgia defensive player with their second first-round selection, taking linebacker Nolan Smith at No. 30.

Smith contributed during each of his four seasons with the Bulldogs, collecting 110 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 20 tackles for loss in 38 games. Smith’s 2022 campaign ended early thanks to a torn pectoral muscle, but he still managed to finish the season with three sacks and seven tackles for loss. Despite the injury, Smith was still generally viewed as a first-round pick, although he may have been selected a bit later than expected at No. 30.

The player’s smaller stature would seem to make him a candidate to be a pass rusher in the NFL, but he was an effective traditional LB during his time in college. Temporarily, the rookie may serve as Philly’s WILL LB while playing opposite Haason Reddick. While the Eagles have the luxury of taking it slow with their second first-round pick, Smith’s outspoken nature should make him a defensive leader for years to come.

The historic 2021 Georgia defense is doing wonders for the Eagles’ defense. Besides Carter and Smith, the Eagles are also rostering Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. Georgia has now seen seven members of its 2021 defense become first-round picks.

Eagles Move Up One Spot For Jalen Carter

April 27th, 2023 at 8:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Eagles are moving up one spot. According to ESPN’s Field Yates (on Twitter), Philly has acquired pick No. 9 from the Bears. In exchange, Chicago has acquired pick No. 10 and a 2024 fourth-round pick. With their pick, the Eagles have selected Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

Carter entered the offseason as a probable top-three pick and potential No. 1 pick. He was subsequently hit with two misdemeanor chargers stemming from a fatal car accident that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy. Carter, who was driving a separate vehicle on that January night, was charged with misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing. He avoided jail time via a plea agreement.

Later, Carter’s pro day left scouts less than impressed. The 6-foot-3, 314-pounder reportedly put on weight leading up to Georgia’s pro day and displayed a “less than stellar” performance. Carolina’s trade for the first overall pick ended Carter’s hopes of going No. 1, but it remained to be seen how far down the board he would actually fall.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus ensured Carter only took pre-draft visits with teams set to pick in the top 10, a sign of their view his stock wouldn’t take a considerable hit. Many analysts connected him to Seattle (which picked fifth), but the Seahawks were reportedly torn on assuming the risk associated with such a premium selection. Their decision to go with cornerback Devon Witherspoon allowed the Eagles to move up and acquire Carter.

Carter was a consensus All-American in 2022, once again playing a key role in a Bulldogs national championship. His performance the year before led many to believe he was the most talented member of the team’s vaunted defense (a unit which saw five of its players selected in the first round last year). He followed up on those expectations with three sacks and seven tackles for loss last year.

The Eagles were among the teams to invest in Georgia defenders on Day 1 last draft, adding fellow DT Jordan Davis. He and Carter will now be reunited on a team which won the NFC in 2022 in no small part due to the strength of their front seven. Off-the-field questions will justifiably surround him, but Carter could prove to be an impact player for years to come in Philadelphia.

Eagles, Cardinals Settle Jonathan Gannon Tampering Investigation

April 27th, 2023 at 6:54pm CST by Ben Levine

The Eagles and Cardinals have settled a tampering investigation involving the hiring of Jonathan Gannon, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The former Eagles defensive coordinator was hired to be the Cardinals head coach earlier this offseason.

As part of the settlement, Philadelphia will receive the No. 66 pick in the draft. The Cardinals will receive pick No. 94 and a 2024 fifth-round pick.

The two teams released a statement regarding the settlement (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter):

“The Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles have agreed on the settlement of an issue concerning an instance of impermissible contact by Arizona during its head coaching search this past January.

“The Cardinals self-reported to the National Football League that General Manager Monti Ossenfort had a phone conversation with then-Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in the days following the NFC Championship Game, a period during which contact is not permitted under the League’s Anti-Tampering Policy.

“To resolve the matter between the two clubs, the Cardinals and Eagles have agreed to swap third round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft and the Cardinals receive Philadelphia’s fifth-round selection in 2024.”

The NFL has very specific guidelines when it comes to interviews for coaches who are still in the playoff hunt. There’s a brief period at the beginning of the playoffs where the Cardinals could have approached Gannon, and they also wouldn’t have faced consequences had they first talked with the former defensive coordinator following Philly’s Super Bowl loss.

A league source told Josina Anderson that the Cardinals were not initially truthful about their pursuit of Gannon, presumably resulting in an investigation (Twitter link). Ultimately, the Eagles managed to move up about 30 picks in the third round of the draft. Based on the popular trade chart, this means the two organizations basically equated Gannon’s value to a fourth-round pick.

Bijan Robinson On Eagles’ Radar At No. 10

April 27th, 2023 at 2:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles are one of the teams to enter tonight’s draft with a running back need. They can either add a back to work in a committee of sorts with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott or make an early-round move to replace Miles Sanders.

While the team has been connected to offensive and defensive line prospects, James Palmer of NFL.com notes Bijan Robinson is in play for the defending NFC champions at No. 10 overall (video link). Only the Eagles and Buccaneers, who hold the No. 19 overall pick, met with Robinson during the pre-draft visit window. But the Texas prospect is viewed as one of this draft’s safest options; he would be expected to be a plug-and-play starter.

This would be an against-the-grain pick for the Eagles, who have valued O-line investments over running back payments under Howie Roseman. The veteran GM traded DeMarco Murray, signed during Chip Kelly‘s 2015 in power, quickly after being given the front office keys back and has not devoted much in the way of expenses toward the lower-value position. But the Eagles did use a second-round pick on Sanders four years ago. Robinson could be kept on a rookie deal through 2027, via the fifth-year option.

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. grades Robinson as this draft’s second-best prospect; NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah slots him third overall. Positional value makes Robinson’s landing spot harder to peg. The Falcons, at No. 8, have been tied to the ex-Texas standout. The Ravens, who have dealt with frequent injury trouble at the position, have also been connected to making a move here. Though, Baltimore holds the No. 22 overall pick.

Additionally, the Eagles continue to look into this draft’s top O-linemen. After Wednesday’s Paris Johnson connection, Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski may be in play as well. The Eagles, who let Isaac Seumalo walk in free agency, see both players as being able to begin their career at right guard and eventually transition to tackle to take over for Lane Johnson. Both players’ positional flexibility is important, per Palmer. Several teams see Skoronski as a guard. Neither Johnson nor Skoronski, however, is a lock to be on the board at No. 10. The Cardinals and Bears are interested in O-linemen, though if the Titans are the team that makes a trade for the No. 3 choice, the Cards would be sitting behind the Eagles at No. 11.

The Eagles used a second-round pick on potential Jason Kelce heir apparent Cam Jurgens, who could also factor into the team’s plans at guard. That probably depends on how the Eagles proceed tonight. While no NFL date features more misdirection than Day 1 of the draft, the Eagles — thanks to their April 2022 trade with the Saints — stand to be a major factor in tonight’s first round, given their Nos. 10 and 30 selections.

Eagles Eyeing Move Up In Round 1?

April 26th, 2023 at 4:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

4:17pm: Indicating the Eagles are exploring a trade to move up, NFL.com’s James Palmer notes it could be for Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson. The multiyear Buckeyes starter has gained steam in the final days, and Palmer adds Johnson impressed the Eagles on his visit. The Cardinals have been connected to Johnson as well, but they are still exploring a move down to collect assets and better position themselves for an O-lineman.

2:36pm: The rare Super Bowl entrant to hold a top-10 pick in the following draft, the Eagles are widely believed to have their eye on pass-rushing help. They appear prepared to trade up from No. 10 overall to acquire it.

Philadelphia is laying groundwork for a trade higher into top 10, per ProFootballNetwork.com’s Tony Pauline, who notes (on Twitter) the move would be for a pass rusher. The Eagles lost Javon Hargrave in free agency and have not re-signed Robert Quinn but have a fairly deep group of edge defenders. Though, all four of those players (Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett) are on veteran contracts.

Eagles connections to edge players have formed during the pre-draft process. The NFC champions are viewed as fans of Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith and are believed to be high on Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness as well. Another report, via the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora, indicates the Eagles are intrigued by Van Ness.

It is certainly possible one of these rushers — if not both — will be available at No. 10. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks Van Ness and Smith as the 15th- and 16th-best prospects in this year’s class. Philly has not been closely connected to the top edges in this year’s class — Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson — and a move into top three, where Houston and Arizona are open to moving down, would be costly.

The Eagles have made a trade on Day 1 of the draft in four of the past five years. Last year, they traded a first-rounder to the Saints, in a complex pre-draft swap, and moved up for Jordan Davis. Philly then used the third of its 2022 first-rounders to acquire A.J. Brown.

The team has also been viewed as perhaps the lowest floor for Jalen Carter, the consensus best defensive tackle in this year’s class and one of the top overall talents. Just ahead of the draft, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes that perception remains. Carter met with the Eagles and every other team holding a pick between Nos. 5 and 10. The Bears are also seeking a D-lineman and are believed to be OK drafting the higher-risk prospect.

Like other teams without a quarterback need, the Eagles stand to benefit by other teams pouncing on passers in the top 10. Philly does have the No. 30 overall choice as well, and both Breer and La Canfora have Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez going off the board at No. 10. With the Eagles’ starting corners — Darius Slay, James Bradberry — going into their age-32 and age-30 seasons, respectively, the Super Bowl contenders figure to strongly consider bolstering this position with one of their first-round picks.

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