/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33499609/20140105_mjr_su5_212.0.jpg)
The 2014 NFL Draft already seems like ancient history and the league's dead season has just started. While the Eagles are probably done making major moves, Howie Roseman has been very good at pulling off trades out of thin air. That's probably part of the reason why NFL.com's Chris Wesseling named the team as a possible trade partner in three different summertime deals.
Must Reads
Must Reads
Among the potential moves that Wesseling listed in his countdown are the possible trades of 49ers running back LaMichael James, Dolphins pass rusher Dion Jordan and Eagles outside linebacker Brandon Graham. That trio has been linked to trade deals all summer, with the Eagles serving as the central entity in pretty much every scenario. However, these deals (on the surface) seem unlikely to come into fruition due to a lack of immediate return from draft picks.
For James, Wesseling lists the Eagles and Cowboys as his most likely landing spots in a potential post-draft deal. While James going to either team makes sense, Philadelphia and Dallas both added running backs this offseason to fill similar roles to the one that the former Oregon Duck would play in each offense. The Cowboys have had to deal with injuries to starting running back DeMarco Murray, but Dallas has Joseph Randle and just added former Cardinals second round pick, Ryan Williams. For the Eagles, the Chip Kelly connection makes a ton of sense, but James' potential role could easily be filled by newly-acquired backs like Darren Sproles and Henry Josey.
Jordan has been the apple of most Eagles fans' eyes for more than a year. While most fans would love to add him, it doesn't seem all that practical. The team just drafted Louisville pass rusher Marcus Smith in the first round and they seem content with having Trent Cole and Connor Barwin as starters. Jordan clearly doesn't fit the Dolphins 4-3 defense, which is why Wesseling has linked Jordan to the Eagles, Colts, Jets, Saints and the newly-odd-fronted Titans.
Must Reads
Wesseling also nominates Graham as the Eagles in-house trade option. The Eagles would likely love to deal Graham for the right price with Smith, Cole, Barwin, Bryan Braman and Travis Long in the mix. Wesseling lists the Falcons, Bengals, Seahawks, Buccaneers and Patriots as possible trade partners. The Falcons are likely moving to a 3-4 front, so that may not be the best fit. However, Cincinnati and New England make a ton of sense as options. The Bengals lost Michael Johnson to Tampa Bay (also listed as a suitor) in free agency and the Patriots have missed a consistent pass rusher for years. Seattle did try to bring in Jared Allen, so they are clearly looking to add some heat to their already scary pass rush.
While all of these deals are highly-speculative, it seems the most likely deal would be involving Graham. He is a talented player but it's hard to believe that he would get more playing time over Smith, given the regime change and a major difference in scheme fit. BGN has noted throughout the entire offseason that a change of scenery would be a great move for all parties. Perhaps, one of Roseman's popular player-for-player deals could ship Graham out of town.