Eagles GM Roseman 'Likes Trades'; 3 Deals He Could Make in Draft

PHILADELPHIA – Asked what his favorite part about this time of year, Howie Roseman playfully smiled, leaned into the microphone, and said, “I like the trades, I like the trades.”

The Philadelphia Eagles general manager said it jokingly, but there’s no denying he loves to deal, especially before and during the draft, which begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday.

He makes deals in all rounds, but it’s always the first that goes under the microscope. He has traded up in four of the previous five first rounds.

“I think it’s just a very special time of year,” said Roseman. “It’s a lot of fun. I like talking to the other teams in the league and trying to figure out if there are opportunities to work together. I like doing that. I love picking players. I love calling those guys.”

Howie Roseman John McMullen/Eagles Today

Here are three draft-day deals that could see Roseman rise up the board again:

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: This would be a big jump, going from No. 22 to No. 15.

The deal: The Eagles would send one of their two second-round picks (No. 53) in addition to pick 22 and get back the Colts’ 15th pick, a sixth-round pick (No. 191), and a fourth-round selection in next year’s draft. The Eagles don’t own a fourth-rounder next year after trading it to the Detroit Lions for D’Andre Swift in last year’s draft.

Why it makes sense: The Colts would still get a choice player at No. 22 and, with this deal, would also own three selections in a span of 36 picks – Nos. 46, 53, and 82.

Indy GM Chris Ballard said he isn’t opposed to moving up or down, so you know Roseman will be in touch with him.

It’s interesting because the two teams have similar perceived needs, starting at cornerback, but there will be some good ones at 22 if the Colts want to move down. Of course, they could be passing on one of both corners considered the best in the draft – Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell, but it might be worth it to the Colts to grab another second-round choice.

As for the Eagles at 15, the options would be plentiful.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: It’s only a spot below the Colts, but going to 16 and not 15 doesn’t seem as steep.

The deal: The Eagles would send No. 22 and one of their two second-round picks (No. 50) in exchange for Seattle’s 16th pick and its fourth-round choice at No. 102.

Why it makes sense: The Seahawks don’t own a second-round pick so a wide swath of players will come off the board from when they pick at No. 16 then not again until No. 81 overall (in the third round).

It could put the Eagles in range of someone like defensive end Jared Verse or offensive lineman J.C. Latham. Or even a cornerback if Mitchell or Arnold are here.

LOS ANGELES RAMS: This will be the first time the Rams have made a first-round pick since 2016, and they have done quite well not having that collateral. This small move up for Philly shouldn’t cost as much as it would to get to Nos. 15 or 16, but probably still require one of their two second-rounders.

The deal: The Eagles send Nos. 22 and 53 to the Rams in exchange for LA’s third-round pick (No. 83) and either a fourth-round pick next year or a fifth-rounder in this year’s draft (No. 154).

Why the deal makes sense: Currently without a third-round pick, the Eagles would have to sit from pick 53 to their next pick at No. 120. This cuts the wait down and gives them a chance to take a player that may have slid further than expected in the first round.

This would give the Rams back-to-back picks in the second round at 52 and 53.