Jared Goff, Future Eagle? Another Trade Could Make it So

Cal Bears’ quarteback Jared Goff has been projected to a lot of different places, but another trade could land him in the City of Brotherly Love.

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*Editor’s note: The Eagles and Browns trade was finalized a few hours after this post. Philadelphia gained the number-two overall pick this season as well as a fourth-round selection in 2017, while sending this year’s eighth overall pick, a third round pick (77th overall), fourth round pick (100th overall), a first-round pick next year, and a second-round pick in 2018.

Last week, the Los Angeles Rams made their first big splash back in their new (old) home by swinging a huge deal with the Tennessee Titans for the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Now, another large trade could be in the works for the number-two draft pick.

The Philadelphia Eagles are interested in trading up from the eighth slot in the order to number two, where the Cleveland Browns currently sit. According to Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez, the framework is already in place for the trade to happen with the Eagles sending a hefty ransom in return, which includes their eighth-overall pick and a pair of third-rounders (77th and 79th overall) this season, as well as a first-rounder and third-rounder next year.

With the first pick, the Rams are said to be leaning towards drafting record-setting California Golden Bears‘ quarterback Jared Goff on April 28th. It’s not a foregone conclusion that Goff will become the second Cal Bear to be picked first overall, as Los Angeles is also keeping an open mind to the possibility of taking North Dakota State signal caller Carson Wentz, who has continued to shoot up big boards throughout the offseason.

So when draft day finally does roll around, there’s a good chance that the Rams will pick Goff and make him their quarterback of the future. But what if they make the selection contradictory to the reports and take Wentz? If Goff is still available when the Eagles jump on the clock (provided they do in fact make this trade), it’s possible he trades in his blue and gold jersey for an Eagles’ midnight green and black uniform.

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With Chip Kelly no longer the man in charge in Philadelphia (instead now head coach for Goff’s favorite childhood team, the San Francisco 49ers), the team will probably go into a minor state of rebuilding as they undo the roster mishaps that their former head coach/general manager-type person did in his three-year tenure in the City of Brotherly Love. The Eagles already traded backup quarterback Mark Sanchez, one of Kelly’s personal favorites, to the Denver Broncos for a conditional draft pick next year.

That leaves Sam Bradford as the starting quarterback, with Chase Daniel and McLeod Bethel-Thompson as the other two signal callers on the Eagles’ roster. In his first season with Philadelphia last year, Bradford had a nice campaign, completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,725 yards and 19 touchdowns in 14 games. He did throw 14 interceptions, and missed two games with a shoulder injury and a concussion. Injuries have always been a problem for Bradford, as he’s torn the ACL in his left knee twice, underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder before the draft, and has dealt with ankle injuries as well.

Even with the spotty injury history, the Eagles gave Bradford a big vote of confidence this offseason, inking him to a two-year deal worth $36 million with $26 million being guaranteed. For that kind of money, it will be hard for any quarterback, whether it’s Goff or Daniel or someone else the team picks up before the season begins, to unseat him as the starter.

Adding Goff to the roster gives them a nice insurance policy in case Bradford’s injury woes continue. It will also give Goff a chance to sit on the bench as long as Bradford is healthy and develop as an NFL quarterback. He won’t have to learn on the field, which is a hit-or-miss strategy in the league.

Next: Goff the Beneficiary to Rams' Trade

As mentioned when the Rams swung their deal, the draft order is anything but set at this point. Teams will keep on wheeling and dealing, and wrenches will get thrown into plans. As things stand now, whether it’s the Eagles or the Browns picking at number two, Goff certainly looks like he will be off the board when pick number three rolls around.

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