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The Philadelphia Eagles turned down a fifth round pick in exchange for backup quarterback Matt Barkley earlier this offseason, according to a report from ESPN's Dianna Russini. Here's what she had to say on Twitter:
"Looking forward to watching Eagles and Jets as Matt Barkley and Tebow square off. Would Jets be interested in Barkley if he plays well? I reported earlier this past off season an AFC East team offered a 5th for Matt Barkley. Eagles said no. Wonder what they say now?"
This is a weird report. First of all, I don't recall Russini ever reporting this supposed trade offer earlier this offseason. And even if she did, it's pretty hard to believe a team would be willing to give up a fifth round pick for Barkley, who was a fourth round pick in 2013. It's hard to imagine Barkley has much, if any, trade value after struggling to show any real promise in the NFL at this point in his career. It seems like the Eagles would have taken that offer, unless they really liked Barkley, which it seems like they don't considering how Tim Tebow is favored to make the team over him. Russini is a reliable reporter, but this report just doesn't totally add up.
As for the AFC East team, maybe it was the Miami Dolphins? Keep in mind their offensive coordinator is former Eagles quarterback coach Bill Lazor. Who knows.
It still seems unlikely the Eagles will get a draft pick for Barkley as final cuts approach on Saturday. Maybe that can change if he plays well against the Jets ... but probably not?