Howie Roseman is no stranger to making moves at the trade deadline. Two years ago, he traded for Miami running back Jay Ajayi, who went on to play a key role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl championship a few months later. And last year, he sent a third-round pick for slot receiver Golden Tate. The Eagles struggled to incorporate Tate into the offense, but he did catch the game-winning touchdown pass on fourth down in the NFC Wild Card win.
Jalen Ramsey was the big prize this year. All-Pro cornerbacks don’t usually become available, especially when they’re still just 24 years old. The Eagles reportedly offered a 1 and a 2 for Ramsey, but were ultimately outbid for Ramsey’s services by the Los Angeles Rams, a team that offered two first-round picks.
Ramsey is off the market. Patrick Peterson likely isn’t going anywhere. Miami may trade Xavien Howard, but that would take a solid ransom to move him. The most realistic option for Roseman is Denver’s Chris Harris, a 30-year-old still borderline elite corner who is in the final year of his contract on a team that won’t be making the playoffs.
Denver has already received calls for Harris, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. And the team just shipped Emmanuel Sanders to San Francisco in a trade. It’s logical to think the Eagles could acquire Harris if the price is right.
Harris is a four-time Pro Bowl corner who is a free agent after the year. He was a former undrafted free agent in 2011 who burst onto the scene as a nickel corner and became the league’s best at defending against slot receivers. His durability has been impressive; even with last year’s late-season broken leg, he’s missed just five games in over eight seasons.
The best part about Harris is that he’s no longer ‘just’ a nickel corner.
The biggest change in 2019 likely comes from Bradley Roby having left in free agency, but either way, Harris’ versatility would make him an asset on the Eagles.
It’s no secret the Eagles have had drastic cornerback issues. Avonte Maddox remains in the concussion protocol. Ronald Darby hasn’t played since Week 3, although he was a full participant at practice today. Sidney Jones is looking like a massive bust. And Rasul Douglas’s lack of speed gives every wide receiver in the league an instant edge on him.
Roseman could hope that the cornerback woes turn themselves around. After all, Jalen Mills just returned, Darby will be returning, and Maddox should be back soon. But none of them are Harris. Given that Harris is on an expiring contract on a team headed for a top-five pick, a second-round pick might be fair for both teams.
And it might just be enough to save the Eagles’ season.
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