In 2015, months before the NFL Draft, former Dallas Cowboys executive and current NFL analyst Gil Brandt correctly wrote down in an envelope the name of the player the Eagles would be drafting -- Nelson Agholor.
Eagles fans are likely hoping he might know something this time as well.
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In a recent piece for NFL.com, Brandt listed the five teams he believes makes the most sense for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green in a trade.
Coming in at No. 4? The Eagles.
Here is Brandt's logic:
The Eagles presently seem far more likely to try to acquire a cornerback than a receiver, considering the number of injuries in Philadelphia's secondary. But never say never when you're talking about general manager Howie Roseman, who's always trying to upgrade his roster. While Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert make a potent 1-2 punch at tight end, the receiving corps has been beset by injuries (to DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery) and inconsistency (Nelson Agholor and Mack Hollins have fallen off the game-plan map, with Agholor logging 115 snaps and just four targets and one catch in Philly's past two games). In a season that has been partly defined by the Eagles receivers' inability to hold on to the ball, Green would provide Carson Wentz with at least one reliable targeting safe-haven.
Now, it is important to note -- as Brandt does -- that there is currently no indication that the Bengals are willing to start a fire sale and move on from Green. At 0-5, however, that moment will likely come before the trade deadline at the end of the month. With Green in the final year of his deal, chances are this will be his last year with the Bengals, as it is hard to see him deciding as a free agent to return. That means if the Bengals don't trade him now they will likely see him walk away this offseason -- giving them plenty of reason to trade him before the trade deadline.
Considering the Bengals will likely get a third-round comp pick for Green as a free agent, it'll likely take at least a third-round pick -- but probably a second -- to land Green.
For the Eagles, it is a trade they should consider. As mentioned above by Brandt, the passing attack has been a major issue. The Eagles have not topped 200 yards passing in either of the last two games and are currently 21st overall in passing yards per game. Part of the reason for that is the play of quarterback Carson Wentz, but a big part is also the play of the receivers and the injury to receiver DeSean Jackson. When Jackson will return is unknown and how long he will be able to stay healthy is also a concern. Although Green has had some issues of his own staying healthy, all indications are that he is close to returning and is ready to go for the second half of the season. That isn't the same vibe around the abdomen injury Jackson has been dealing with.
How the Eagles would fit Green in if they did acquire him would be interesting. Considering how much they play 12 personnel, with two tight ends and two wide receivers, it would be hard to get Jackson, Green, Nelson Agholor and Alshon Jeffery playing time. The Eagles could move Jackson into the slot, giving them speed at that position with Green and Jeffery on the outside. Or, they could cut Jackson's snaps dramatically once he is back, saving him for certain spots in an effort to keep him healthy. A deal for Green would presumably mean a dramatic cut in playing time for Agholor, who is also in the final year of his deal.
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If Green does become available, or more likely when he does, chances are the Eagles will be in on the talented wide receiver. Howie Roseman checks out every player that is on the trade block, and over the last year, he has shown he is willing to deal for receivers. He reportedly offered a second-round pick for Amari Cooper before the Dallas Cowboys landed him, and then he gave up a third-round pick for Golden Tate. Making a move for Green would be a bold one. Green would count $11 million against the cap, a little less than half of what the team has right now. If the Eagles gave up a second-round pick to get him, there would then be pressure to sign him this offseason -- which also won't be cheap.
Considering the issues the team has had at receiver, however, it is safe to say if things don't improve quickly Roseman will be looking for an upgrade.
If Brandt is right, an upgrade of Green to the Eagles shouldn't be counted out.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
