Eagles GM Howie Roseman Discusses Post-Trade Deadline Moves

Following the NFL trade deadline, Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman addressed the media, detailing the strategic moves the team made. Roseman discussed the acquisition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, highlighting his unique athletic abilities and work ethic, noting that he had been monitoring Phillips since college. "He’s got freak ability, he can rush, he can set the edge, he can play in space. He’s got a nonstop motor," Roseman stated, emphasizing the importance of character and community involvement, as Phillips was recognized as the Walter Payton Man of the Year in Miami. However, Roseman acknowledged the team's gamble on Phillips' health, recalling past injuries, including an Achilles and ACL tear, which raise concerns about his durability moving forward.

In discussing the trades for cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II, Roseman expressed the need for depth at the corner position, especially given the injuries the team has faced early in the season. "We had a bunch of games here where we didn't have our full complement of guys," he noted, explaining the strategic choice to enhance the secondary. He mentioned the trust built through previous experiences with both players, indicating that familiarity with their skill sets made the acquisitions feel right. Roseman believes this depth will allow the Eagles to better match up with various offensive threats across the league.

On the topic of veteran edge rusher Brandon Graham's return, Roseman shared how he reached out to Graham before the season, expressing hope for his comeback to bolster the pass rush. Graham initially felt unready, but after witnessing the team's potential, he decided to return, with Roseman stating, "I’m just glad that day’s not today," referring to the day they would no longer have Graham's presence.

Roseman also addressed rumors regarding potential trades involving star wide receiver A.J. Brown, firmly stating, "It's hard to trade great players and A.J. Brown's a great player. He wears the C for a reason." He reinforced the value Brown brings to the team as they pursue a championship, indicating that the focus remains on maximizing the current roster rather than making drastic changes.

Furthermore, Roseman hinted at the possibility of pursuing elite players like Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett, suggesting that the Eagles are willing to take risks when opportunities arise. He stated, "When there's opportunities to be aggressive for the right players, we're not going to sit on our hands," reflecting a philosophy aimed at seizing chances to enhance the team’s competitiveness. This willingness to engage in negotiations for top-tier talent signifies Roseman’s commitment to building a championship-caliber squad.

Overall, Roseman's insights provide a glimpse into the Eagles' future strategies, as they look to leverage their roster effectively for the remainder of the season and beyond, aiming for another deep playoff run.