Eagles tried to trade Matt Barkley before signing Tim Tebow

Here's an unsurprising but interesting tidbit to come out of the news of the Eagles signing Tim Tebow: according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Philadelphia tried to trade Matt Barkley. More details:

"Before signing Tebow, the Eagles first wanted to try to trade backup quarterback Matt Barkley. But when the team could not get enough in return, it decided to bring in Tebow anyway so that he could be present for the team’s entire off-season program."

Again, this doesn't come as a surprise. Barkley trade rumors first emerged all the way back in late August of 2014 during final cuts. The Houston Texans were reportedly one of the teams interested but they ended up acquiring Ryan Mallett from the New England Patriots instead.

Trade rumors popped up again in mid-March after the news of Tebow working out for the Eagles emerged. ESPN's Chris Mortensen said Barkley was made available for a late round pick. Considering Barkley is still in Philadelphia, one would assume the team hasn't even been able to fetch that much. In other words, Barkley basically has no trade value.

This shouldn't come as a surprise either. It's been a long time since the former fourth round pick was once thought to be a top quarterback prospect. The former USC passer has barely played in Philadelphia. He's attempted a total of 50 passes in four career appearances. He's failed to impress during the summer in training camp and preseason as well.

The Eagles aren't necessarily going to cut Barkley immediately, but it seems like the end of his career in Philadelphia is only a matter of time.