The Philadelphia Eagles have had a busy few weeks preparing for the 2024 NFL season.
As part of this process, the team had to trim its roster to 53 players, which, of course, led to tough decisions and unexpected moves.
But that’s a good problem to have, right?
One of the most interesting developments they made was signing linebacker Devin White, a former Pro Bowler who spent the last five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But here’s the surprising part: there were rumors that the Eagles almost traded him before the final roster cuts.
According to insider Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated, the team considered moving him because other linebackers, like Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean, looked great in training camp.
“There were murmurs that the Eagles could trade Devin White before the cutdown—Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean both were really good in camp,” Breer said.
“So, fair or not, White missing the opener won’t help his case for a big role in the defense.”
Due to an injury, White will miss the Eagles’ Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, and his absence could open the door for other linebackers to shine.
If these players perform well, White’s role in the defense could be smaller than initially expected.
Speaking of trades, another story is brewing around Haason Reddick, a former Eagles linebacker.
Reddick is currently with the New York Jets, but things aren’t going well. He hasn’t signed a new contract and has asked for a trade. Although the Jets haven’t agreed to it yet, so it’s a situation to keep an eye on.
Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report suggested that the 49ers could be a potential landing spot for Reddick.
San Francisco has room under the salary cap with $46.4 million available, and they are still firmly in their Super Bowl window.
Adding Reddick could bolster their pass-rushing rotation, especially as offseason acquisitions Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos have been struggling with knee injuries.
“The 49ers might also want to kick the tires on Reddick,” Knox said.
“San Francisco could face major cap issues in 2025 when quarterback Brock Purdy will be extension-eligible, but it has $46.4 million in cap space available now.”
Meanwhile, predictions for the upcoming season suggest that some Eagles players are set for breakout performances.
Interestingly, ESPN’s Dan Graziano made a bold prediction regarding wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
While A.J. Brown was the Eagles’ leading receiver last year, Graziano believes Smith could take over the top spot this season.
Graziano said, “Don’t be surprised if…DeVonta Smith — not A.J. Brown — ends up as the Eagles’ leading receiver. What I’m hearing: ‘Smith looks amazing,’ or something to that effect., was what I was hearing whenever I talked to anyone about Eagles training camp over the past month. Remember that the Eagles extended Smith’s contract this offseason before they extended Brown.”
Smith has been steadily improving since being drafted 10th overall in 2021. He finished just under 400 yards behind Brown last season, but he’s been showing major growth.
With the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, likely moving him around to create mismatches, Smith could have a breakout year and take over the No. 1 spot.
As we can see, the 2024 season is looking to be full of surprises for the Eagles. Between trade rumors, rising stars, and fierce competition from other teams like the 49ers, there’s plenty to watch as they aim for a strong year.
