Eagles Willing To Trade DE Derek Barnett

By acquiring safety Kevin Byard from the Titans, the Eagles have already executed the biggest trade acquisition of the year thus far. But it’s possible that Philadelphia will be losing one of its best defenders when another takes over.

Before the deadline, the reigning NFC champs are “open” to dealing defensive end Derek Barnett, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. The 27-year-old has already been linked to trade rumors, and the Eagles are a wealthy team on the verge of success. Consequently, it wouldn’t be entirely shocking to see him relocated soon.

This past summer, Barnett was given permission to look into a move while understanding that his workload would probably be lighter than in previous seasons. In light of the fact that 2023 represents the last year of his contract, which he decided to restructure, therefore lowering his maximum earnings, it would have been reasonable for a trade to open the door to increased playing time. Although one did not materialize before the season, Barnett might be a cheap addition for clubs looking to add depth to their pass rush.

The former first-rounder was limited to just one game in 2022 due to an ACL tear. He has managed to stay healthy through all seven games so far this season, but he has logged a defensive snap share of just 21%. That career-low figure (for full campaigns) has contributed to Barnett’s low statistical output: three tackles and zero sacks or QB pressures. After the leading the league in sacks last season, Philadelphia currently sits with third with 24, so moving on from Barnett would not leave the team shorthanded along the defensive front.

The Tennessee product’s base salary for this season is merely $1.13MM due to contract modifications; an acquiring team would be responsible for a prorated share of that amount. The Eagles would lose a little net cap room this season if they traded Barnett; but, that would not happen in 2024, the year that Barnett’s contract expires. A shift in environment can encourage more use and output, increasing his stock before free agency.

Before he suffered an ACL injury, Barnett was a reliable member of the Eagles’ edge unit. In three of his first four seasons, he earned at least five sacks; however, he has not been able to maintain that output since. For Barnett’s present playing time scenario to improve, a lot would need to shift on Philadelphia’s depth chart, which includes players like Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Haason Reddick, and first-round rookie Nolan Smith.

Thus, in advance of the trade deadline of October 31, the latter will be a name to keep an eye on. Breer points out that the Eagles might make further moves in an attempt to replicate their playoff success from the previous campaign, and it wouldn’t be shocking if they made any more additions. At the moment, Philadelphia has $3.2MM.