The Philadelphia Eagles got hit with a slew of injuries after their Week 3 victory against the Los Angeles Rams. Two key players on defense hit the Injured Reserve. Another starter’s status for this week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is in question. Combine this with new trade speculation, and another trade may be on the horizon.
Defensive Injuries Could Lead to the Philadelphia Eagles Making Another Big Trade at a Key Position
Injuries piling up
In the last few days, the Eagles placed defensive end Nolan Smith and cornerback Jakorian Bennett on the IR. Smith re-aggravated the triceps that he injured in Super Bowl 59, and this injury puts him on track to return after their Week 9 bye. The Eagles have depth at the position with a slew of veterans. It is not out of the question that they could look elsewhere for help at the position, though.
Bennett suffered a pectoral injury, and his timetable to return is unknown. Given that he was the top backup at cornerback, the Eagles’ depth will absolutely be tested. The Eagles made several other roster moves in light of these injuries.
We’ve signed S Marcus Epps, TE Cam Latu, and CB Parry Nickerson to the active roster and placed CB Jakorian Bennett, WR Darius Cooper, and OLB Nolan Smith on Injured Reserve. We’ve also signed LB Lance Dixon, DB Eli Ricks, and WR Quez Watkins to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/8rKiyPKyIb
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 24, 2025
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Bennett’s injury is not the only one at the position, though. Starting cornerback Adoree Jackson is banged up going into Week 4. Jackson is dealing with a groin injury that kept him out of practice on Wednesday and limited his participation on Thursday. With cornerback already a position of weakness, the Eagles need answers, and quickly. A certain NFL insider believes Howie Roseman may find this help in the form of another trade.
Another Trade Looming for Roseman?
When asked about which team needs to be the most active in the trade market, ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler had this to say:
“Injuries over the next month could be the big determining factor, but I usually start these conversations with the most aggressive general managers. Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman and Houston’s Nick Caserio have been among the most active dealmakers in recent years. While Roseman is usually trying to add, Caserio and the 0-3 Texans could be a few losses away from wanting to deal players for picks. I still think the Eagles might not be done at cornerback and could survey the market.”
It is no surprise that the Eagles will be active in trade negotiations. Roseman has been one of the most aggressive general managers in football in recent years. The team is also projected to have 10 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving Roseman more ammunition to make a deal. Combine this with the Eagles being in a championship window, and it makes too much sense for the Eagles to be as active as any team.
Like Fowler mentioned, cornerback looks to be the most likely position to upgrade at. Teams falling out of contention with a veteran cornerback may be the perfect partner for the Eagles. The first team that comes to mind with this criteria is the Cleveland Browns. Cornerback Greg Newsome has been speculated as a trade deadline target for teams needing secondary help. It remains to be seen how the Browns’ season will play out. If they fall out of contention, expect Roseman to pick up the phone.
With the season still young, the Eagles have time to work out any roster issues. It remains to be seen if those answers are currently on the team or elsewhere.
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