Philadelphia Eagles: 5 players on Howie Roseman’s wish list

Sign Marcus Mariota

How fitting would this be? After Chip Kelly tried trading basically the entire team to move up and draft Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL draft, Roseman could bring to Philly another thing Kelly failed to do.

But there’s actually merit to this move. The stigma that Carson Wentz is injury prone is ridiculous. More accurately, he’s an aggressive player with a relentless desire to win, and it’s within this realm where he exposes himself to risk of injury. That being said, having a talented backup such as Mariota is necessary, but not just for the reason you’re thinking.

ESPN recently ran its Football Outsiders feature with “daring moves” for each of the 32 NFL teams. This is what they had to say for the Eagles:

"“Sign QB Taysom Hill and ‘load manage’ QB Carson Wentz. The surest way to keep Wentz healthy for the playoffs is to keep him off the football field as much as possible. Philadelphia can accomplish this by signing super-utility quarterback Hill, a restricted free agent, and playing him 10 to 15 snaps per game under center. That would reduce Wentz’s injury risk, ease sophomore back Miles Sanders’ transition to a workhorse role, and provide Hill 200 or so snaps at quarterback to prove to future teams that he is capable of being a starter."

First off, this move won’t happen. If the Eagles were to sign Hill, they’d likely have to surrender a compensatory pick to the Saints, either a first or second-round pick depending on the Saints’ tender. The Eagles will NEVER give up a high draft pick for a ‘super-utility-yet-unproven’ QB like Taysom Hill, nor should they. However, the points entertained do carry value.

Aside from having a capable backup available to step in when needed, Mariota could serve that “super-utility” role with the Eagles, lining up both behind center, in the backfield, and even outside at receiver. It may be somewhat gimmicky, but it sure works for the Saints and would give opposing defenses something else to consider.

I think this would be a tremendous signing for the Eagles. The fact that Roseman would be pulling the trigger is only icing on the cake!