The Eagles were busy on the trade front during this year’s draft, executing eight pick swaps over three days. That figure ties the record for the most in a single year since the event took on its current seven-round format. 
[RELATED: Team-By-Team Draft Tracker]
Philadelphia’s efforts with respect to trades were notably aimed at acquiring extra draft capital in 2025. When speaking about that strategy, general manager Howie Roseman noted that the relatively shallow pool of prospects in this year’s class was a key factor. Added eligibility due to the pandemic as well as NIL deals led to just 58 underclassmen declaring for the 2024 draft.
That figure could change next year, though, something the Eagles are anticipating given their actions over the weekend. Philadelphia added three 2025 selections – a third-rounder from the Dolphins, a fourth-rounder from the Lions and a fifth-rounder from the Texans – through pick swaps. The team will also receive a second- or third-round selection next year through the Haason Reddick trade. As Roseman noted, the Eagles will also have a smaller UDFA class than usual in 2024.
“I think a big part of that is because we made a conscious decision after the season to try to get guys from team’s practice squads where we had some tape to watch,” Roseman said (via PHLY’s Zach Berman). “We felt like that was just for us kind of a unique opportunity that we wanted to try and take advantage of based on this class and knowing that this was a different class, and so it wouldn’t have a ton of the same opportunities in the undrafted market that maybe you’ll get next year…. I think it will be back to normal next year.”
The Eagles have yet to unveil their class of undrafted free agents, but Over the Cap lists the team has already having 88 players on their roster. The offseason limit in that regard is 90, so Roseman’s remarks will hold true in terms of signing free agents with the draft now in the books. Given the team’s added capital for next year, however, Philadelphia will certainly be worth watching closely in the spring of 2025.
He’s playing chess while others checkers
I’m old enough to remember when Howie was the dolt who had to trade a 1st and a 3rd for AJ Brown because he took Jalen Reagor instead of Jefferson. These things go in cycles.
Yes, he made some bad WR picks as all GM’s do . But Brown has been worth it and Smith was an ace pick.
Clearly Philly is the class of the NFC East and that largely is due to the job Howie does. Heck of a GM.
You’re probably right, but that late season swoon is still fresh in my mind.
He’s not the coach or coordinators. But Howie always puts together a strong 53 man roster and is never afraid, like most teams, of in season trades and especially not abrading of trading in the draft.
He has an extra 3rd, 4th, and 5th round picks next year. I bet he flips one mid season to win this year. That’s what I never understood about people thinking the Cards should flip the 4th pick for more picks (smart to draft MHJ). Why? Don’t you think the Cards need to win this year not worry about another year out?
His decisions aren’t always homeruns but the guy never stops swinging.
Kind of reminds me of Preller. Never static.
This is an interesting perspective because prior to the draft, a lot of people were talking about how deep this draft was.
I’m not doubting his evaluation and his points back up his stance, I’m just wondering why the opinions differ so much with the talking heads.
Are the talking heads just that bad?
Yes. Look at former talking head Mike Mayock. Was thought to be brilliant at identifying college talent for a decade plus talking on TV. Then look at his actual picks w/ the Raiders, abysmal.
Staying on the Raiders, when Jon was in media, he LOVED every single QB prospect going into the draft, every year. And yet, he never drafted a QB particularly high. Always went the ‘gruff old vet’ routine, why? He says every QB is amazing, but afraid to draft them himself? media is nothing but talk which is why I don’t pay attention to it.
Before the draft I heard people talk about how the draft was deep in some ways (20+ extremely legit first rounders, then another 50 strong likely starters), but very shallow in the late rounds.
I think he got a little lucky the way the picks fell, but landing Mitchell & DeJean on a team with a bad defensive backfield, is a heck of a coup.
After the first 2 rounds of the draft you’re simply involved in a hit or miss lottery so a GM has to have his ducks in a row even before the draft begins. I think Howie did a very solid job in that respect.
The pick from the Reddick trade isn’t until 2026.
You’re right:
“The Eagles announced on Monday afternoon that they have traded linebacker Haason Reddick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick that can become a second-round pick if specific terms are met.”