Credit: USA TODAY Sport
Josh Sweat has been named the Philadelphia Eagles’ ‘best realistic trade asset’ due to his impressive abilities, which make him valuable to other teams as well. They considered trading him this offseason but ended up restructuring his contract instead.
Teams interested in adding Sweat were calling the Eagles to discuss trades. Instead of trading him, they decided to pay the veteran DE $10 million guaranteed, with incentives that could increase the total to $13 million, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes Sweat is still their most important trade asset. He said:
“Philadelphia has no reason to simply dump Sweat, but if it is looking to secure another player in a trade, he could become a valuable bargaining chip,”
“The Eagles won’t simply dangle Sweat on the trade market because he’s a proven contributor in their defense. Aside from draft capital, though, he’s arguably the best realistic trade asset Philly could offer.”
Haason Reddick’s Trade Potential
General manager Howie Roseman’s strategy to organize the defensive line’s perimeter is nearing its conclusion. This began when the Eagles made it clear that both Sweat and Haason Reddick were on the trading block. This allowed the Eagles to gauge the market and decide how to approach two edge rushers entering the final years of their contracts.
Reddick, who is entering his age-30 season, is the most likely to be traded. His $21.8 million cap hit, will be the highest for the Eagles. Trading Reddick before June 1 would allow another team to take on his contract, giving the Eagles $1.2 million in cap savings for 2024.
Philadelphia, which drafted Nolan Smith 30th overall in 2023, increased its depth at the position by signing former New York Jets edge rusher Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51.1 million contract in free agency. Huff, 25, showed promise in a breakout season last year with 10 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. The Eagles hope this will help them maintain the effectiveness of their pass rush while also resetting the clock on the combined age at the position.
Sweat’s Contract and Performance
Sweat has shown potential upside since signing a three-year, $40 million contract extension in 2021. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 after finishing with 7.5 sacks and 13 QB hits. In 2022, he had a career year with 11.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and recorded the first interception and defensive score of his career.
Sweat had a bit of a down season in 2023. In 17 games, he recorded 43 total tackles (seven for loss), 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 23 hits. While those numbers aren’t bad, his sack total notably declined. It will be interesting to see how he starts his 2024 campaign and whether the Eagles decide to entertain calls for him again before the trade deadline on November 5.
This report used information from Heavy.com
