Tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. ET, the NFL will prohibit all league franchises from dealing any players or draft picks via trades. Because of this, basically all 32 teams are keeping an eye on the trade block, fidgeting with offers, and doing as much as they can to either strike a deal or tune up their roster in some way before the deadline halts all trading actions for the remainder of the regular season. Clubs like the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who sit with a winless record, are usually looking to rid of salary-eating veteran players, while teams on the verge of success, such as the San Francisco 49ers (3-2) and the Miami Dolphins (2-3) are typically searching for experienced stars that can assist them in completing a magical season.

For the Eagles, they contain an already-potent roster filled with Pro-Bowl talent and explosiveness (with both young and veteran players). However, they have been awful inconsistent and will need precise execution and performances to succeed down the stretch of their remaining 2009 schedule. Members of their squad haven’t been thrown around heavily in trade rumors, with injured starting WR Kevin Curtis being the primary target in transaction talks. But with the coming deadline, we might a move or two made by the front office to improve the organization.

Because the Eagles haven’t been known as typical deadline traders, you may doubt their chances of completing a deal. But these are the same Birds that added athletic and controversial QB Michael Vick in the preseason, and the same ones that took a risk and brought back retired and former Philly MLB Jeremiah Trotter during their Bye Week via free agency. If they’ve already executed such roster changes, then can we really rule out a trade that would add to the team’s pool of talent? I think not.

As stated before, Kevin Curtis seems to be the most likely player that would be shipped if a trade were to happen, because of his age, contract status, and the rise of rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin. However, there are undoubtedly other players the Eagles would be willing to send in a package if they truly wished to make a trade. Perhaps such players included in this group of potential trade members would be OLB Chris Gocong, who has been perhaps the least productive of the LBs, or maybe one of the reserve Wide Receivers (such as Reggie Brown), who was mentioned in trade rumors prior to the start of the season.

Time will tell if the Eagles will indeed strike a deal and bring in additional pieces to the puzzle they hope becomes a Super Bowl contender, but in the meantime, take a look at a few of the players around the league that have been frequently listed as potential trade bait that will wind up on the Eagles, as well as some Philadelphia football members that have been listed as potential departures from the team:

Potential Trade Acquisitions/Future Eagles:

• OLB Derrick Johnson: Johnson, a 5th-year Linebacker for the Chiefs, has been confirmed as a player Kansas City wishes to deal, as they believe they can receive decent value in exchange for him. As of this week, Johnson has tallied 357 tackles, 13 sacks, and 4 interceptions in his career, and has begun to be considered among the best of young defenders. He has the versatility to play the Middle Linebacker position, and would definitely provide the Eagles’ defense with a boost of ability to tackle and cover the passing game.
• OLB Kirk Morrison: Morrison would join a familiar team if he were to be traded to the Eagles, as he just played them on Sunday. A veteran of the Raiders’ organization, the 5th-year LB has been one of the few consistent, solid parts to the Oakland defensive unit. He has led the team in tackles several times, and, as of this week, has a career total of 556 tackles, 3 sacks, and 7 interceptions, quite impressive for the amount of years he’s been in the league. Morrison hasn’t had significant experience at the MLB spot, but would still bring a load of defensive contributions to the Eagles.
• DE Kyle Vanden Bosch: While the primary focus of potential Eagle trades has been on Linebackers, there was one DE mentioned in serious rumors, and that was Titans’ end Kyle Vanden Bosch. The 2-time Pro-Bowler has been in the NFL since 2001 (he spent 4 seasons with the 49ers to begin his career), and has been one of the most successful longtime forces on the Tennessee defense, that was once ranked as one of the best. He’s in his 9th season, but continues to display power; he is among the team leaders in terms of tackles recorded, and his career sack total stands at 39.5. Opposite the Eagles’ other star DE Trent Cole, Vanden Bosch would give the Eagles perhaps one of the best defensive lines in the NFL should he be acquired.

Potential Trade Departures:

• WR Kevin Curtis: Curtis began his stint with the Eagles with great success, recording a memorable 1,000-yard receiving season in 2007. Since then, however, he has been bothered by injuries and inconsistency. His salary is also scheduled to increase in the coming years, probably to the dislike of the Eagles’ front office. It was announced previously that Curtis was to be placed on the trading block for teams to compete for his services, but thus far not many organizations have displayed signs of interest. Nevertheless, Curtis is a prime candidate to be shipped.
• MLB Omar Gaither: One might not consider Gaither a potential trade victim, but based upon the possibilities of the Eagles adding another LB, it seems likely the 4th-year player would be dealt rather than another of the Linebackers on the roster (such as aged veteran Jeremiah Trotter, who was only recently signed, and OLB Akeem Jordan, whom the team is very confident about and connected to). A team in search of a young, yet knowledgeable defender might enjoy having Gaither on their squad as a situational coverage Linebacker, and there’s a chance one team will receive that if they execute a trade involving him tomorrow.
• WR Reggie Brown: Brown was a topic of discussion in preseason trade talks, but never was moved due to a lack of interest by the prime trade contenders. Should he finally see his exit in Philadelphia, it will likely be as part of a package deal, but even so, it would mean his departure. The backup wideout was once a quality starter, but struggled with consistency and lost out on playing opportunities, which led to the limited role he holds in the offense now. The 5th-year passing target still has an upside and potential to be a starter again, and that is what makes him a possible member of a trade.

Again, only time will tell whether the Eagles decide to make a last-minute transaction, and for now, all we can do is speculate. Stay tuned for updates or new reports on possible trades.

(picture source)