Eagles Urged to Trade Barkley and Baun as Losing Streak Reaches Seven

On November 9, the Philadelphia Eagles were coming off a seventh consecutive loss, a 2-7 record and their first seven-game skid since 2012. With the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, the team’s disappointing season prompted questions about whether it should move veteran players for draft picks rather than keep them for a difficult campaign.

Running back Saquon Barkley had been assured he would not be traded when the Eagles were 2-5. That came before losses to Washington and the New York Giants. Barkley met with team leaders after Sunday’s defeat, but coach Nick Sirianni would not say what they discussed. The team had also limited Barkley’s workload since his return from a hamstring injury: he had 13 carries against the Giants, including three in the second half.

Barkley had missed two games and played limited snaps in his first two games back. He played 41 snaps against New York. The case for trading him is that he could bring draft picks and get another opportunity to compete for a championship; he helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl two years earlier.

Linebacker Zack Baun was also suggested as a trade candidate. He recorded two sacks against the Giants, then left with a back injury and returned without playing again. Baun said the injury was not an issue. His contract runs through 2027, and the Eagles have not promised to keep him.

Tight end Dallas Goedert is considered a more likely player to be moved. Cornerback Riq Woolen, guard Landon Dickerson and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo were also identified as possible trade candidates. With the deadline approaching, the Eagles could use the bye week to consider changes to a roster facing substantial long-term needs.