As if the Eagles season didn’t look bleak enough to fans, the Eagles took another blow this week, placing starting RB Jay Ajayi on the season-ending Injured Reserve. MRIs confirmed that Ajayi suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, so there’s an opening at the Eagles running back position. Of course, speculations about player acquisitions started floating around shortly after the Eagles announced Ajayi’s injury on Monday.
Who could be some potential candidates to fill the role?
LeSean McCoy
Before being acquired by the Bills in 2015, LeSean McCoy was one of the best runners in the league for the Eagles. He was a shifty, east-west runner who had a knack for exploiting a hole in a defensive line. After joining the Bills, his stats began to decline, but he’s still a high-level player nonetheless.
The Eagles reportedly called the Bills to inquire about a trade for McCoy following Ajayi’s injury. Some trade pieces that were suggested were mid-round draft picks or an offensive lineman to help protect rookie QB Josh Allen. This trade seems somewhat likely, considering that the Bills confirmed it, and Shady seems to want a return to Philly.
At 30 years old, McCoy could make a good starter for the team and could serve as the starter ahead of Corey Clement. The only concerns arise in his recent trouble with the law, though it seems that it won’t pose an issue in his football career.
Le’Veon Bell
For the third year in a row, the Steelers and Bell were unable to agree on a contract before the September deadline. Bell has been asking for a reported $15 million per year, but the Steelers haven’t been able to give him that contract. In turn, Bell skipped training camp and is planning on holding himself out of games until Week 7. During an interview with ESPN, Bell explained that he was confident the Steelers would keep him.
In reality, the Steelers could go a number of ways. They could give him the starting role during their Week 7 game. They could hold onto Bell as a backup behind breakout star James Conner. Or, as some Eagles fans are hoping, Bell could be put on the trading block.
If the Steelers are to choose the latter route, the Birds could make a push for him by dropping veterans like Michael Bennett in order to make cap space for Bell’s already massive contract. Fletcher Cox’s contract was recently restructured also, which made rumors flare up even more.
Personally, I don’t think the Eagles should trade for Bell. In doing so, they’d be giving up a TON of cap space in exchange for a “win now” player. With the declining current state of the team, it may be better for the Eagles to think about future success, rather than focusing on their present situation. Anyway, a source close to the team said that a Bell trade is unlikely, but many fans still see it as a viable and probable solution.
Tevin Coleman
This season, third-year back Tevin Coleman has been filling in for an injured Devonta Freeman. In his time as a starter, he’s proven himself as a viable, but not elite, option at the position.
Still on his rookie deal, the Eagles may try to negotiate a trade with the Falcons to acquire Coleman as their starter. The Falcons are struggling and looking to change their momentum. Also, it’s unlikely that Atlanta will re-sign Coleman after this season, so they might as well get value for him now. He’d be a good, young fit in the offense, but the Birds should ensure that they can re-sign him after the season before trading for him.
Corey Clement / Wendell Smallwood
In the absence of Ajayi, the Eagles will rely on a combination backfield of Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, Josh Adams, and Darren Sproles (when/if he returns from his hamstring injury).
With Clement and Smallwood leading the way, and Pederson riding the hot hand, the Eagles may not need to make any big trades or free agent acquisitions. Clement is a solid runner, and Smallwood is a good change-of-pace back, so the two of them combined could keep the Eagles where they are.
The Eagles being in “win-now” mode may not be the best option for the team. On the other hand, the NFC East is awful this season, and a team could potentially make the playoffs with an 8-8 record. Phillu should use this season conservatively to keep Wentz healthy and to improve both sides of the ball for NEXT season.