Eagles acquire Phillips, Alexander, Carter II; Brown struggling with career-low yards per game

The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their roster ahead of the season with strategic trades while navigating challenges in player performance.

Why it matters: The Eagles are addressing both offensive and defensive needs as they prepare for a competitive season, particularly focusing on enhancing their depth in key positions.

• A.J. Brown, a crucial element of their passing game, is currently averaging a career-low 56.4 yards per game this season.
• The team recently made significant trades to improve their edge rush and cornerback depth, which had been lacking in the first half of the season.

What’s new: Philadelphia has acquired several impactful players in recent trades.

• Jaelan Phillips was brought in from the Miami Dolphins for a 2026 third-round pick.
• Jaire Alexander joined from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026 and a seventh-round pick in 2027.
• Michael Carter II was acquired from the New York Jets in a deal that sent WR John Metchie III back to New York along with a sixth-round pick in 2027.

Yes, but: While these acquisitions strengthen the team, the performance of A.J. Brown cannot be overlooked.

• Despite being named a team captain and a proven playmaker, his current statistics indicate a decline in output compared to previous seasons.
• Howie Roseman emphasized Brown's importance, stating, "He wears a 'C' for a reason. He's an important part of this team."

What to watch: The impact of these trades on the Eagles’ overall performance will be closely monitored.

• Jaelan Phillips is expected to enhance the edge rush, a unit that struggled early in the season but could see improvements with his addition and the return of injured players like Nolan Smith.
• The addition of Alexander and Carter II aims to solidify cornerback depth, which Roseman identified as critical based on the team's performance in the first half of the season.

Between the lines: The Eagles are clearly committed to maximizing their potential by improving weak spots in their roster.

• Roseman stated, "If there's an incremental difference in a player, we owe it to our team, to our fans, to our building, to our owner to do that," indicating a strategic approach to team building.
• The team's willingness to trade and acquire new players reflects a proactive strategy aimed at long-term success.

The bottom line: With the NFL season heating up, the Eagles are making calculated moves to ensure they remain competitive, all while banking on the resurgence of key players like A.J. Brown to contribute significantly moving forward.