The Philadelphia Eagles disappointed some fans by trading Brandon Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday evening. Many wondered aloud if Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks, whose name has been brought up in trade rumors this offseason, is going to be the next player dealt.
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According to a report from Derrick Gunn of CSN Philly, however, Kendricks might not be traded away just yet. From Gunn:
"League source tells me Kendricks more than likely is staying as an insurance policy. In case DeMeco [Ryans] goes down, Kendricks also could start."
While some might be glad to see Kendricks is staying (for now), Gunn's report seems to indicate that Ryans, and not Kendricks, will be starting at inside linebacker. The Eagles did re-sign the veteran Ryans, who is coming off an Achilles injury, to a contract extension earlier this offseason. The team really values his leadership. The Eagles also obviously added Kiko Alonso in a trade with the Buffalo Bills.
Then again, the inside linebacker picture isn't exactly set in stone yet. During spring practices, it seemed like Kendricks and Alonso took the majority of first team repetitions on the inside. And even if Ryans "starts" over Kendricks in the middle, it's possible Kendricks could end up playing more snaps.
Kendricks might not be traded any time soon, but one can wonder if he's really in the team's long-term plans. The Eagles have not discussed a contract extension with Kendricks. The 2012 second round pick is scheduled to play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2015.