Eagles searching for a new running back after Ajayi’s Injury

Unfortunately for the Eagles, Jay Ajayi has been placed on IR after suffering an ACL tear This leaves the Eagles with only Darren Sproles, Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, and rookie Josh Adams in their backfield. However, there may be hope on the horizon as the Eagles have been reported to be interested in David Johnson, Le’Veon Bell and LeSean McCoy.

Corey Clement. Photo from NBC Sports.

Best trade targets for Philadelphia at running back

David Johnson

David Johnson is the best mix of youth and talent of the likely trade targets of the Eagles. Plus Johnson is locked up long term so he wouldn’t be a gamble. Unfortunately for Philadelphia General Manager Howie Roseman, that also means he will command the highest value. The Eagles would likely have to be willing to trade a high draft pick or a player and a mid-round draft pick to even start a conversation with the Arizona Cardinals. Then the Eagles would have to pay David Johnson his $38.1 million minimum contract over the next three years.

Le’Veon Bell. Photo from CBS Sports.

Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell is the most risky of the trades the Eagles could make. He is holding out and has still not signed his franchise tag. In addition, the Eagles would have to make the trade without even knowing if Bell would sign long-term as they can’t talk contract details with him while he is a Steeler. Bell has stated that he wants to be paid as a running back plus a slot receiver, he also wants a lot of money guaranteed and a long-term deal. This would mean the Eagles would put themselves at risk of weakening other positions on the team to pay for Bell. Another risk is that Le’Veon Bell has been injury prone through his career and has also been a locker room distraction at times. Would the Eagles want to give up all that value for just Le’Veon Bell?

LeSean McCoy. Photo from CBS Sports.

LeSean McCoy

The Eagles have reportedly inquired about LeSean McCoy as well.The Buffalo Bills are in the beginning stages of a rebuild and would likely be willing to part with the aging veteran for a draft pick that will help them in the future. McCoy would bring an instant explosiveness to the Eagles offense that has been lacking in these last few games on the ground. McCoy is also a reliable blocker in pass protection and a great receiving back which makes him a great fit for Coach Pederson’s offense. Another bonus is that McCoy would be coming back to Philadelphia where he is already loved and familiar. He could even potentially retire an Eagle. Plus, LeSean McCoy has the least expensive cap hit of all three. McCoy counts for about $9 million in cap space each of the next two seasons. Which means he is a relative bargain and under contract for 2019 as well.

Philadelphia will likely make a move for a running back in the next week or so if they are going to do it. McCoy is the most likely target as he is the best value as compared to his talent. The Buffalo Bills also seem like the team that would most be willing to part with their star running back.

Featured image by Yong Kim/Philly.com

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