As one first-rounder joins the team, another could be on his way out.
After the Philadelphia Eagles drafted linebacker Marcus Smith in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night, the team “will probably” look to trade former first-round pick Brandon Graham, according to Philly.com.
Two things noted at like 3am last night, but worth mentioning again: (1) Forget Dion Jordan. (2) Brandon Graham will probably be traded.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) May 9, 2014
The Eagles attempted to acquire Dion Jordan from the Miami Dolphins earlier in the offseason. Jordan, who was selected third overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, played collegiately at Oregon under Chip Kelly.
Though the trade never transpired, the Eagles reportedly offered up Graham and a second-round pick.
The chances of landing Jordan appear to be slim to none, the team is still looking to cut ties with Graham to make room for newly drafted Smith. Since being selected 13th overall in the 2010 draft by the Andy Reid regime, Graham has totaled 11.5 sacks in 48 career games and 12 career starts. Last year under Kelly, Graham did not start a game.
Smith was selected 26th overall last night after the Eagles swapped spots with the Cleveland Browns to draft Johnny Manziel. At Louisville, Smith played linebacker and in a hybrid role, which translates well to Philadelphia’s 3-4 defensive scheme. His senior year, Smith enjoyed a breakout campaign, totaling 14.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles.
Graham, 26, is only due about $1.6 million in 2014 and is a free agent after the season. And given the lack of interest he has garnered on the trading block, it’s likely the Eagles would accept just about anything for him.
It’s also worth noting that veteran Trent Cole, 31, could also be moved. Cole is owed $5 million this coming season and more than $10 million next year. Unlike Graham, however, Cole started all 16 games last season and produced eight sacks. Not to mention that releasing him would cost the Eagles $4.8 million.
