Some Thoughts On the Eagles-Browns Trade Talk

There is a lot of trade talk out there. Let’s throw a lasso around it and try to get as close to the truth as we can:

— The Browns appear willing to move out of the No. 2 spot, and the Eagles have been identified as a likely trade partner per Mary Kay Cabot of  Cleveland.com.

— Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reports that the Eagles would be giving up their first and third-round picks in 2016 and 2017 as part of the compensation to move up a handful of slots and select what they hope is the quarterback of the future.

Like others, my sense is that while the cost would be significant, the price currently being discussed is not quite that steep. And just using logic here, I’d have to imagine that Howie Roseman would have a tough time parting with both of his third-rounders this year. The team needs help in areas beyond quarterback. With no second-rounder either, the Eagles would have to watch 97 players go off the board between pick No. 2 and their next selection in Round 4 (100 overall). That’s far from ideal.

But who knows, maybe Marvez’s price-to-play projection turns out to be accurate when it’s all said and done.

I’m sure they made an offer, I’m sure they made a compelling offer. If Philadelphia offered something today, it’ll only go up- @AdamSchefter

— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) April 20, 2016

If it were up to the Eagles, the deal would be done. But the Browns are taking their time – @AdamSchefter

— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) April 20, 2016

Much depends on whether the Browns end up with any other suitors. If Dallas is hungry for a QB, or a team like the Jets makes a push, the cost could skyrocket. If not, Jeffrey Lurie and co. might be able to strike a deal that works for them.

The Eagles proved in their discussions with Tennessee that they will be aggressive but not reckless in their pursuit of a QB. It wasn’t a “name your price” situation, and they ultimately bowed out when the numbers escalated out of their comfort zone. I’d expect them to approach things in a similar fashion here. Are they interested in moving up to grab a quarterback? Obviously, yes. But the deal has to be reasonable — however they define that.