The Eagles didn’t play a game in Week 9. And yet, the defending Super Bowl champions might have had the best week of any team in the NFL.
In fact, the Eagles just had “the greatest bye week of all-time,” according to Travis Kelce. On this week’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast, the Chiefs’ tight end congratulated Philly on a big week which included multiple trades and favorable results throughout the NFC.
“The Eagles won a game without playing a game,” Eagles legend Jason Kelce joked. “They won a week without playing a week.”
Ahead of the Eagles’ Week 10 matchup vs. the Packers, let’s take a look back at a memorable bye week — from making deals to multiple chances to poke fun at NFC East rivals.
Wednesday, Oct. 29: Howie Roseman strikes first
The Eagles made their first pre-deadline move by acquiring Jets cornerback Michael Carter II. Roseman acquired Carter by sending wide receiver John Metchie III and swapping late-round 2027 draft picks with New York. The Eagles needed more versatility in the secondary, and they got it by securing Carter, whose presence in the slot could allow Cooper DeJean to be used on the outside more freely. It’s a worthwhile bet on Carter, who can play safety, as well.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Throwing another dart
It’s not often we get Saturday trades, but the Eagles made one for a former All-Pro. Jaire Alexander, a two-time All-Pro with the Packers in 2020 and 2022, hasn’t played at that level recently. There’s a reason why the Ravens were willing to move Alexander, a healthy inactive in five games this season, for a Day 3 pick swap. But this was once again another move on the margins by Roseman. If Alexander pans out, great. If he doesn’t, he barely cost anything.
Howie Roseman
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman reacts during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Sunday, Nov. 2: Division rivals, NFC contenders fall
While fans watched all of the action stress-free, the Eagles’ lead in the NFC East grew — and their path to a No. 1 seed in the playoffs became clearer. The Giants lost again, moving to 2-7 on the season; that was expected. But the Lions and Packers losing at home in the 1 p.m. slate, with Green Bay falling to the Panthers, was not expected. Those defeats gave the Eagles the best odds in the NFC to reach the Super Bowl. Then to top it all off, Washington lost, 38-14, to Seattle on “Sunday Night Football.”
Monday morning, Nov. 3: Philly’s big swing
The Eagles made their big move of the deadline on Monday morning by sending a 2026 third-round pick to the Dolphins in exchange for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. The trade was widely viewed as a success — even a “home run” — considering what the Eagles needed and what they gave up. Improving the pass rush was a major point of emphasis, and Phillips, one of the best young edge rushers in the NFL, addresses that concern. If he’s a rental, the Eagles will be in-line to get a comp pick. If he plays well, they could give him a contract extension. Win-win.
Dak Prescott
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) attempts to escape the grasp of Arizona Cardinals' Zaven Collins (25) in the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Monday evening, Nov. 3: Cowboys schadenfreude
Dallas followed in the Commanders’ footsteps, losing at home while Eagles fans and the rest of the country watched. Well, at least those who have something other than YouTube TV watched. The Cowboys fell, 27-17, in a three-turnover loss to the Jacoby Brissett-led Cardinals on “Monday Night Football.” Dak Prescott was sacked five times, and Dallas dropped to 3-5-1 on the season, giving the Eagles a commanding lead in the NFC East.
Tuesday morning, Nov. 4: More Cowboys schadenfreude
Eagles fans continued to revel in the Cowboys’ misfortune as Dallas became the punching bag of the trade deadline. The Cowboys, who are not in position to make the playoffs, dealt a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-rounder for Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. After landing two first-rounders for Micah Parsons, that means the Cowboys turned their generational edge rusher into Williams, defensive tackle Kenny Clark and a first-second swap. Did Dallas get better by adding Williams? Sure. But the context around the move — the Parsons deal, not contending right now, etc. — made it laughable. And it made the Eagles’ week even better.
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