Howie Roseman Made 1 Massive Mistake By Trading Haason Reddick

Things were going so well for the Eagles and Howie Roseman this off-season. The mood around the team almost fully bounced back. Signing Saquon Barkley, and bringing back CJ Gardner Johnson, had people feeling good about this team again. Then Howie Roseman had to go and ruin it by being the smartest man in the room. He traded Haason Reddick, getting only a 2026 conditional 3rd round pick back.

It is a terrible move. Haason Reddick was one of the only sure things you had on defense. The secondary, even with CJ, is still full of question marks. We still have no clear answers at linebacker. And the rest of the defensive line, apart from maybe Jalen Carter, still have a lot to prove.

As soon as Haason Reddick asked for a raise, Howie seemed determined to move him. But Reddick was right to ask for one. Despite being 1 of only 2 players to have 4 straight seasons with double-digit sacks last season, Reddick was outside the top 15 for highest-paid Edge-Rushers.

Last season he was the good soldier. We heard nothing from him publicly. Despite being unhappy with his pay, he did not cause problems during the season. He waited until the off-season and then asked for a pay raise. Howie rewarded him by leaking that they gave him permission to seek a trade. Making it look like it was Reddick who wanted out. In reality, it was the other way around. Reddick confirmed he wanted to stay here, he just wanted a pay raise.

It's a typical move by Howie. Leaking stuff to the media to make the people look bad is his MO. He did it last season with Darius Slay. That time it worked out with Slay coming back. But this time it cost Howie his only reliable pass rusher.

I have seen people saying you couldn't pay him and Devonta Smith. First off, says who? The cap just took a huge leap and will keep going up. We call him a cap wizard? The cap wizard can't find a way to keep an elite Edge Rusher and a WR?

Edge rusher was the one area on defense we could look at and say they were fine at. Now, they have no one I feel confident calling a sure thing.

Bryce Huff is a nice player. But he is coming off his only season with double-digit sacks. He also was a pass rush specialist, only coming onto the field in obvious pass situations. Some will argue that having double-digit sacks in limited snaps shows he has a higher ceiling, but that is not always the case.

It is not a lock that his production goes up with increased playing time. Maybe he can't handle a higher workload. Maybe being on the field more exposes some weakness in his game. We have seen Reddick be productive in 4 straight seasons. That is not the case with Huff. He is a gamble.

Sweat is also a gamble. He was great in 2022. He was also great in the first half of 2023. But then he fell off the edge of a cliff. Like Huff, he has only 1 season with double-digit sacks.

Nolan Smith is the biggest gamble of them all. The Eagles have talked him up all off-season in anticipation of trading Reddick. But this is a guy who was never productive in College and barely saw the field last season. His upside is fascinating. Smith drew comparisons to Reddick coming out of college. But we have not seen it yet. He still has to prove that he can be a pro

After signing Saquon Barkley, you would think the Eagles would try and do everything in their power to maximize their chances to win in the next two years. The Barkley deal is truly a 2-year one, with the option to make it 3. That is their window. not to say they will fall off a cliff in 2026, but their best chance to win is these next two seasons. Especially because that is when Jalen Hurts cap hit is still very manageable.

So what does trading for a 2026 pick get you? If I am being honest, I'd rather have a 2024 3 than a 2026 2. Chances are it will be a 2 because the conditions all seem perfectly reasonable. But the bigger problem is that it is for 3 drafts from now. They traded away their best player on defense and got nothing back that will help them find a replacement. They got worse, for nothing.

Howie has done a lot of good for the Eagles. He built the one and only Super Bowl team in franchise history. Then he got back there a few years later. With all of the flaws, he has done a great job as the GM.

But then stuff like this happens, and we remember all of his flaws. Look around this defense. How many homegrown players are there on defense that you can trust? Jalen Carter... and that is it. We already talked about Nolan Smith. But then there is Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, all the young corners, and Reed Blankenship. There are not many sure things, even fewer now that Fletcher Cox is gone.

Howie has gotten better at drafting offensive players. On top of key pieces added via free agency or trade like AJ Brown and Barkely, they have a lot of guys they drafted. Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Jalen Hurts, Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata. I am not worried about the roster on that side of the field.

But he still struggles to target defensive players. Even with a few good off-season moves, this defense still has a long way to go to being a championship-caliber defense. So why move the one sure thing you have?

Maybe it works out. Maybe they get on the field, Smith turns into a star, and Huff holds up in a larger role. That all could happen. The point is that it's a massive risk. A risk not worth taking. Signing Huff, and trading Reddick, is at best a lateral move. More likely it is a downgrade.

That is not a knock on Huff, or Smith, or anyone else. It is understanding that Reddick is a special player. He can change games. That type of player is worth paying.

Also, don't tell me he is turning 30. Since when is 30 the new 40? No one expects him to fall off the face of a cliff. He will still have been an amazing player this next season and the season after that for them. Now all they have is question marks and hope. We can thank Howie Roseman for that.

The brunt of free agency has passed by. There are still free agents out there, and the Eagles have a lot of cap space left. But the big moves, like Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff, have been made. Most of the top guys are already off the board. The Eagles' next best chance to improve their roster will come at the end of April in the draft. So for the 2nd team this off-season, Tyrone Johnson has taken his best shot at trying predict what the Eagles, and other teams, will do in his Eagles Mock Draft 2.0.

In Tyrone's first mock draft, he had the Eagles finally break a two-decade-long trend by drafting a corner. Kool-Aid McKinstry. Does he still have them going corner? Or have the Eagles' moves in free agency changed what he thinks they will do?

Cornerback seems like the biggest need. It is also a great year to need a corner with over half a dozen projected to go in round 1. But we are talking about Howie Roseman. We know his usual style. Since 2010 when he first took over 10 of their 14 1st round picks have been a lineman. 3 Offensive Lineman, and 7 on the D-Line.

One of those non-linemen, Nelson Agholor, was when Howie was exiled to the broom closet. So in reality, 10 of the 13 picks he had a say in played. The other 3 are Carson Wentz, Jalen Reagor, and Devonta Smith.

To say there is a trend, would be an understatement. But does Tyrone have Howie living up to that trend? Or will it be broken for once? Find out who Tyrone has the Eagles taking in his Mock draft 2.0 below.

Williams, the former Heisman Trophy winner, is a generational talent despite some struggles in 2023. He was put in a terrible spot at USC by a nonexistent defense. He still managed 30 passing TDs to just 5 interceptions. The Bears have added talent to their roster and traded Justin Fields, so this pick is already done.  

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner had an incredible year passing for over 3800 yards and rushing for over 1,000. Nobody raised their stock more during the Covid year than him. Daniels seems to have passed Drake Maye in the eyes of Washington due to his elite athleticism and ball placement. It is said to be the best in the draft.

Maye was very productive at North Carolina over his two years as a starter throwing for just under 8,000 yards and 62 touchdowns. The Patriots have moved on from Mac Jones. They badly need a QB. There are rumors the Vikings are looking to move up after finally letting Kirk Cousins leave for Atlanta.

Local product Harrison Jr is the best overall player in the draft. He has everything you want in a wide receiver. 2024 is a deep wideout draft and he is head and shoulders better than every one of them. Barring injury, he is the safest pick in the draft, with his floor being a perennial 1,000-yard guy.  

Originally it appeared that the Chargers would look for offensive line help, but with Mike Williams being released to go with Austin Ekeler leaving, Nabers becomes the pick. He had over 1500 yards in 2023 with 14 total touchdowns. Justin Herbert has had a historic start to his career, & new coach Jim Harbaugh gets him a new weapon. The Chargers are in the mix to trade down as well.

In many seasons, Odunze would be the top WR in the draft. He followed up his 1100+ yard season is 2022 with a 1640-yard season in 2023. This year he’s 3rd, but that isn’t an indictment of his ability. Odunze should be lethal in the red zone because he is tall at 6’3”, and high-points the ball well.

There are 4 different candidates to be the 1st offensive tackle taken in this year’s draft. Alt seems to have separated from the pack though. Alt moves very well & is towering at 6’8”. Alt also allowed just 4 sacks in 36 starts while in college.

This is not a great year for pass rushers, but the Falcons would be delighted if the best one fell to them at number 8. Turner has the build of the modern pass rusher with the frame to add more muscle. He had a career-high 10 sacks at Alabama this year. He is just 21 years old with a ton of upside.

Bowers has the potential to truly be a weapon in the NFL. He is likely the 3rd cleanest prospect in the draft behind Marvin Harrison Jr, and Caleb Williams, with the only knock being the games he missed in 2023. He is a two-time Mackey Award winner as the best tight end in the country. Bowers knows how to find the end zone with 31 touchdowns in his 3 years in Georgia. Caleb Williams gets a security blanket from day 1.

Fashanu is another candidate to be the 1st offensive tackle taken in the draft. The junior was just Rimington–Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2023. He will improve as a pro as his technique improves. Will also put more strength on his 6’6” 317 lb. frame.

After the early run-on quarterbacks early in the draft, McCarthy is the 4th one taken in the 1st round. Scouts have had trouble projecting him because he was not asked to win games at Michigan, but they love his intangibles. McCarthy will have a great duo at WR right away in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Vikings may need to trade up to get him.

Officially releasing Russell Wilson, and taking a $35.4 million cap hit, followed by a $49.6 million cap hit means getting a QB on a rookie deal. Nix’s game really took off once he got to Eugene after starting for 3 years at Auburn. Nix completed over 77% of his passes last year. He topped off at a 61% at Auburn. His TD-to-interception ratio was a whopping 45 to 3 last year.

Latham is the 3rd tackle on the board and gave up 0 sacks in 3 years at Alabama. He is massive at 360 lbs but carries the weight well. The Raiders have addressed QB and DT in free agency, so now offensive line makes the most sense. He should step right in and start for the Raiders.

Fautanu was excellent at Washington as their explosive offense landed them in the national title game. He has very good technique and moves very well. The only real negative is he is “only” 6’4” and that would cause some teams to want to move him to guard. I think the Saints keep him at tackle.

It feels weird to have a player as productive as Verse fall to this spot. He transferred to Florida State after starting his college career at Albany (he won CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year). Verse had 9 sacks each of the last 2 years and could have added more if Jordan Travis didn’t get injured. That injury cost Verse and the Seminoles a chance at the playoffs.

This is a guy that the Eagles spent a lot of time with at the Senior Bowl, where he was the best corner. He could be a trade-up candidate for the Birds. It was thought he would be available at 22, but he is a fast riser on most boards, hence why the Eagles made the move. Mitchell played off coverage a lot at Toledo but showed strong press skills at the Senior Bowl.

This pick is the one I have the least confidence in because Robinson ran a sub 4.5 40 at the combine. He could go higher. His production does come close to his skillset though. Robinson had just 11.5 sacks in his college career. The lack of production is concerning, but the tools are there to be a special player. 

The Bengals must do a better job of protecting Joe Burrow who had an injury-riddled season in 2023. Guyton is a very good pass blocker that was only held back at Oklahoma by injuries after transferring from TCU. While Guyton needs works in the run game, the Bengals are built to pass and he would start in day 1.

Murphy II is the best interior defensive lineman in the draft. He was productive at Texas and was a part of the recruiting class that brought them back to the CFB playoff. A 3-year starter with a high motor, the only negative about him as a prospect is that is he only 297 lbs. Murphy will have huge shoes to fill in LA.  

Powers-Johnson is the best interior lineman in the country and was part of the Ducks’ dominant front. The Steelers feel like a great fit here, with the question being who he will be snapping the ball to in 2024. He should be versatile enough to kick out to guard as well.

Wiggins is tall at 6’2”, and the biggest risk-taking corner in the draft. He was 1st team All ACC both of the last two seasons. He would strive early in a man scheme, with work to be done in zone coverage. The biggest knock-on Wiggins is his size. He weighed only 173 lbs at the combine on 6’2”.

Arnold and his teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry were both excellent on the Alabama team that made the playoff and ended Georgia’s long undefeated streak. He was a 5-star prospect who lived up to the hype. He had 5 interceptions last season and should be a day 1 starter.

DeJean is coming off a broken leg, and that could keep him from climbing in the draft. Dejean can start at outside corner, slot corner, and safety. While the Iowa offense has been abysmal, they have won because of a defense that is usually full of pros. When healthy he is a very good player.

Tyron Smith is now with the Jets, so tackle is a big need. Mims did not start much at Georgia but is 6’7” with a 7’1” wingspan with speed and power. The right team and the right situation could bring out a diamond. Dallas would be the perfect spot for him. Watch for a QB here too if Bo Nix charms Jerry Jones enough.

There are at least three 1st round worthy WR’s left on the board, but the Packers build through the trenches, and Fuaga projects to be a starter. The Packers were the youngest team in the NFL last season and won a playoff game. This pick would sure up one of their few holes.

Barton is the 2nd “center” to be drafted in the 1st round. Ryan Jensen has retired, and Barton should be poised to replace him. The Bucs paid Mike Evans, and Baker Mayfield, so the trenches are the play here. Barton should start from day 1.  

Many Eagles fans took Latu off the board here because he aspires to be a firefighter. The thing to watch with him is the medical report. He retired from the sport due to a neck injury but returned to be dominant at UCLA. He has 13.5 sacks in 2023 & some say his pass-rush skills are the best in the draft. Without the medical issues, he would go higher, the Cardinals will be very happy to have him.

The other LSU WR comes off the board here to add a younger element to the Bills. Thomas is very tall at 6’5” and had 17 touchdowns last season to go with over 1100-yards. The Bills have not gotten over the hump and lost some weapons to free agency. Thomas should be good in cold weather.  

Jared Goff is fine, but he has a ceiling and is entering the final year of his contract. The only weakness in Penix Jr’s game is injuries. He is an elite deep-ball passer and does great things within the pocket. He is experienced but wouldn’t be asked to play right away. Penix Jr would enhance and extend their window.

The Ravens were as close to breaking through as they’ve been during the Lamar Jackson era but came up just short. Tampa is good in press man but also does well in zone coverage. He is physical which fits the Ravens scheme as well and has good size. The combine will be big for him.

Trent Williams will be 36 this summer,. While he is still playing at a high level, it makes sense for the defending NFC champs to get reinforcements in the trenches. The rest of the line wasn’t stellar in 2023. Rosengarten would be an upgrade at RT over Colton McKivitz and could move to the left side when Williams is done. Washington’s offensive line was excellent in 2023, and now both tackles go in the 1sr round.

The Chiefs managed to repeat as Super Bowl champs despite a major deficiency at the wide receiver position. Worthy cut his drops in half last year, which is big because the Chiefs led the NFL in drops. Pending free agency, he would be their best outside guy.