The Eagles are 4-2 — not many expected that.
Carson Wentzis playing like a Rookie of the Year candidate — not many expected that either.
And the Birds’ defense is playing like one of the best in football — a surprise as well.
Are they contenders? And should they be buying?
According to several sources, including Pro Football Talk and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles began talks last night with the 49ersto trade for Torrey Smith, a speedy, downfieldwide receiver. The Eagles have been getting all-together putrid production from their wideouts(with Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor underachieving)and a veteran like Smith, who soared with the Ravens but has been underused in San Francisco, could be a great match. Smith is 27, runs a 4.43 40-yard dash and had a 1,000-yard season in Baltimore in 2013.
With Nov. 1 trade deadline one week from Tuesday, 49ers now open to trading WR Torrey Smith, per sources. Multiple teams have shown interest
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2016
Wouldn’t rule out the Eagles inquiring on Alshon Jeffery as well. Howie Roseman loves to make deals. Wentz needs weapons on the outside…
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 25, 2016
The Ninersneed to move away from Smith’s five-year, $40 million contract, signed last March and his high salary could give trade partners a bargaining chip. However, with a team like the Eagles needing to fill a few pieces at offensive line, secondary and, of course, wide receiver, they might be better off hanging on to their draft picks. Another lackluster squad, the Bears, could be looking to move on from their most valuable asset as they look to snag a top draft pick and rebuild. AlshonJeffery has dealt with a few minor injuries this season but is still a big downfield threat, and among the better receivers in the NFL. Jeffery, 6-foot-3 and 26-years-old, has had two 1,000-yard seasons in his two healthy years, 2013 and 2014. He’s a big workhorse and would likely command a higher price than Smith.
Will the Eagles pull the trigger? They’ve already made some of the most impactful and unexpected trades over the past few seasons — like sendingSam Bradford to the Vikings, DeMarcoMurray to the Titans and LeSean McCoy to the Bills. It wouldn’t be out of character for the team to be aggressive once again, this time in seeking an NFC East title. The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 1 at 4 p.m.
