NFL Trade Rumors: Will Eagles show interest in C.J. Spiller again?

The 2014 NFL trade deadline is nearly a week away. At 4:00 PM EST on Tuesday, October 28, NFL teams will no longer be allowed to make trades for the rest of the season. With the deadline fast approaching, the trade market is seemingly heating up.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport mentioned a few potential trade targets on Sunday morning: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller, and Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham. Rapoport did not specifically mention that the Eagles were potentially involved with any of these targets. Jackson and Gresham don't seem like they would be of particular interest to Philadelphia, but Spiller is an interesting name.

It was reported in the offseason that Philadelphia tried to trade for Spiller, but Buffalo never had interest. Now, it seems Buffalo may be willing to move on from Spiller because he's been a little underutilized in their offense. Spiller remains in a crowded backfield that also features Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon, and former Eagles rusher Bryce Brown. It's also worth noting Spiller is essentially a free agent after the season (player option) and he likely won't want to stay with the Bills if there isn't a role for him.

Unable to acquire Spiller in the offseason, the Eagles instead ended up trading a fifth round pick for former New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles. Sproles, who is currently injured, has been very valuable to the Eagles through their first six games.

It's possible the Eagles could revisit a Spiller trade again, but it doesn't seem likely. Philadelphia already has star running back LeSean McCoy taking the majority of the snaps. The team also seems to be high on Chris Polk, a valuable special teams contributor, despite his injury issues. Sproles is dealing with a MCL sprain but he should only miss a few games. It doesn't seem to make sense for Philadelphia to have to open up a roster spot and part with a draft pick in order to acquire Spiller, who then could leave in free agency after the season. It seems more likely the Eagles would revisit their interest in Spiller if/when the running back makes it to unrestricted free agency following the 2014 season.

Still, the Eagles are a team to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches. General manager Howie Roseman is no stranger to making trades. Philadelphia was just one of two teams to make a move on trade deadline day in 2013. Stay tuned.

UPDATE (2:53 PM EST) - Spiller has suffered a broken collarbone. So much for that.