3 Trades the Eagles Should Make Before the NFL Draft

Trade Pick 53 to the Cleveland Browns for Greg Newsome II

There have been several reports coming from Cleveland that the Browns could be looking to move one of their cornerbacks. Surely, Denzel Ward isn't going anywhere since he's the leader of the secondary and is playing on a massive contract. They're also unlikely to part with Martin Emerson, who has been fantastic and still has two years on his rookie deal.

That leaves Greg Newsome II as the logical option.

A first-round pick out of Northwestern in 2021, Newsome enters the fourth year of his rookie deal. The Browns have yet to decide on his fifth-year option. They might not want to commit $13 million-plus to Newsome considering their depth — and ability to scout the position. That's why the Eagles might be able to land him via trade.

Philadelphia has Darius Slay and James Bradberry as their current starters. Bradberry was a mess throughout the 2023 campaign and will be 31 this summer. Slay has been a trusted defensive back for more than a decade, but he just turned 33.

Adding Newsome would provide a much-needed infusion of youth (he turns 24 in May). He's also capable of playing in the slot and on the boundary, giving them more flexibility in the secondary as well. Sending a second-round pick might feel rich but without a third, this would be their best bet to land Newsome. They do have an extra pick in Round 2 to play with and could always ask for a late-rounder as well in the deal to soften the blow.

Trade a Conditional Third in 2025 to the Arizona Cardinals for Budda Baker

The Eagles attempted to shore up the back end of their defense at the trade deadline last year when they acquired Kevin Byard in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. Byard wasn't the player they expected him to be as he allowed 75.6 percent of the passes thrown at him to be completed while surrendering two touchdowns in 10 games.

Byard was released at the start of the offseason, which was the right call. With him gone, there's still room for more help and while the draft is an option, the Eagles could try swinging for the fences once again by targeting Budda Baker.

The 28-year-old Baker has seven years of experience with the Arizona Cardinals and has been named to the Pro Bowl six times. He's also a two-time First-Team All-Pro and made the Second-Team once.

Baker is a well-rounded safety with 737 tackles, 37 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and six forced fumbles. He's an absolute weapon but is now entering the final year of his contract and the Cardinals might not be able to keep him around.

Philadelphia signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the offseason, giving them a versatile player who can line up deep but will also spend time in the slot. Baker is another chess piece who can move all over the field and cause problems for opposing offenses.

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