Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Howie Roseman strikes again with a second trade for the Philadelphia Eagles in less than 24 hours, with the defense as the focus of the move and potential major implications for the future.
The Eagles are trading edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Ebiketie played 48% of the defensive snaps this season, racking up 25 tackles, 10 pressures, eight hurries, and two quarterback hits in nine games.
This is the second trade the Eagles have made involving the defensive line. They traded defensive tackle Jordan Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick.
There are a couple of different elements to break down in this trade, in terms of how it works out for the Eagles. One, did the Eagles get any value from Ebiketie, and two, what does this mean for rookie edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby
Eagles trading Arnold Ebiketie makes a ton of sense for them
Look, Ebiketie wasn't really doing much for the franchise anyway, so moving him makes a ton of sense to get something out of him. The Eagles got a sixth-round draft pick for 2027, which they were missing anyway. That will help with that.
During the offseason, the Eagles signed Ebiketie to a one-year deal to be a rotational edge rusher. That's been the role he's played, and the results have been... mixed.
Pro Football Focus gave Ebiketie an overall grade of 60.5, ranking 75th out of 110 eligible edge rushers. He also got a pass-rush grade of 52.8 (ranked 104th) and a run-defense grade of 66.2 (ranked 38th).
When the Eagles signed him, everyone knew what they were getting in Ebiketie. He wasn't known for getting sacks with the Atlanta Falcons before coming to Philly. The Eagles got some value out of him, but for a team that is struggling to sack the quarterback, they needed more.
Ebiketie will not be missed in Philly since he was a rotational player who didn't have any real highlight plays. This move is more about Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio being able to play James-Newby more often off the edge.
Keyshawn James-Newby might have his shot to prove his worth to Eagles
James-Newby was one of the Eagles' three seventh-round picks from the 2026 NFL Draft. He had just two tackles in the preseason and has not played much during the regular season so far.
With key injuries in the edge rusher room involving Jalyx Hunt and Jonathan Greenard, James-Newby played in two games against the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys. He recorded a tackle in each game. James-Newby added two pressures and two hurries in those contests.
Ebiketie's departure now opens up an opportunity for James-Newby to get some more playing time and prove himself off the edge. There has not been much action from the rookie, but he sure can use his 4.53-second speed to his advantage and make some plays in the backfield.
Nothing about the starting lineup will change, but now A.J. Epenesa and James-Newby could be splitting snaps from the bench. It will be best shot that the rookie has to be on the field and playing.
Read more:Eagles' Jordan Davis trade is sparking a Jim Schwartz conversation that's needed
This won't be a trade that gets remembered at all, but it is one that will be significant to the development of James-Newby. It gives him a real shot at playing and proving that he can be a rotational player for the future.