NFL Trade Rumors: Eagles “open” to moving Nelson Agholor

The Philadelphia Eagles are “open to moving Nelson Agholor” in a trade, according to NFL insider Jason La Canfora.

The phrasing here is key. La Canfora is not saying the Eagles are actively shopping Agholor; he’s just saying they’re willing to hear offers for him.

This rumor passes the sniff test. Agholor’s projected $9.4 million cap hit for the 2019 season isn’t a convenient number for the Eagles. It’s hard to imagine he’s back at that rate.

Philadelphia can always try to lower Agholor’s cap hit by signing him to a contract extension. I’d guess that’s the most likely outcome.

If Agholor and the Eagles can’t agree on a new deal that works for both sides, however, Howie Roseman could hope to get value in a trade ... especially if some team comes calling with a strong offer.

I would guess the Eagles would want at least a 2019 third-round pick for Agholor. The team isn’t in a position where they should just be giving him away. Their only other wide receivers under contract for 2019 are Alshon Jeffery, Mack Hollins, Shelton Gibson, and a group of guys on reserve/future contracts (Braxton Miller, Johnny Holton, Marken Michel, Carlton Agudosi, Dorren Miller). Veteran players Golden Tate, Mike Wallace, and Jordan Matthews are all set to be free agents.

I would think the Eagles won’t be trading Agholor unless it’s for some kind of no-brainer return. Again, I think the two sides will be able to work out some kind of contract extension prior to when Agholor’s $9.4 million option becomes guaranteed.

For what it’s worth, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson sure had a lot of praise for Agholor during his NFL Combine press conference earlier today.

“Nelson? Oh, yeah, man, love this guy. He’s the first one in, last one out. Can’t say enough good things about Nelson Agholor and what he’s brought in the table and what he will continue to bring. I think last year, you look at the amount of guys we had, and of course we added Golden [Tate] midseason. Listen, I’m not going to stand up here and say it didn’t affect Nelson, because I think it did. The question was asked earlier about trying to get everyone the ball, and it’s a challenge when you break down a game. Nelson didn’t complain, he came to work every single day, he put in the time, he put in the work, and it was a huge part of what we did, and getting us into the Divisional Round this year. I’m excited, I love working with him and I think there’s great things ahead.”