The Philadelphia Eagles have been urged to make a huge trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
One NFL analyst believes the Philadelphia Eagles should make a trade with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has urged the Eagles to trade for Falcons Pro Bowler Jessie Bates.
"At 29, Bates is still a premier coverage safety," Moton wrote. "He's recorded at least three interceptions in four consecutive seasons. Last year, the eight-year veteran allowed a 73.7 passer rating.
"Nonetheless, in the final year of his contract, Bates has an inflated cap number of $24.8 million. With a new regime in place, Atlanta may consider trading him for draft capital. If that's the case, the Eagles can pounce on an opportunity to add a Pro Bowl-caliber defender to their secondary."
The Eagles lost Reed Blankenship in free agency to the Houston Texans and traded Sydney Brown to the Falcons. Adding Bates to a secondary with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell would make Vic Fangio's defense lethal.
Bates played in all 17 games for the Falcons last season. He finished with three interceptions, 57 solo tackles, one tackle for loss and two QB hits.
One of the best safeties in the NFL, Bates has been in the league since 2018. He has played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Falcons and enters next season with 27 career interceptions, one sack, 535 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six QB hits.
The Eagles went 11-6 in the regular season. They won the NFC East again but lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round of the 2026 NFL playoffs.
The good news for the Eagles? Fangio isn't going anywhere. There were rumors that Fangio would retire this offseason, but he's coming back for 2026.
Philadelphia's defense finished fifth in the NFL in scoring defense last season, giving up only 19.1 points per game. The Eagles' 56.8% completion percentage allowed led the league, while their 75.4 passer rating ranked second.
Under Fangio, Mitchell and DeJean earned first-team All-Pro honors as two of the best defensive backs in the NFL.
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