The Eagles are still in the process of cutting down their roster until the deadline on Tuesday, August 29th. Until then you will see a flurry of moves happen as teams try to weigh the possibilities of losing and keeping players. One of the players just so happens to be Derek Barnett.
The former first-rounder has been granted permission to seek out a trade as he works his way back from a season-ending injury in 2022. The former Tennessee product came into the league with high expectations but has fallen short of them year after year.
His best season with the Eagles came back in 2019 where he finished with 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 22 QB hits. When Barnett has been on, he’s been on but he’s been more than off in recent years and hasn’t been as available either.
In the last three seasons, Barnett has played in just 20 games out of 51 possible games. He’s had to deal with several injuries including last season’s ACL injury. He was an intricate part of the 2016 Super Bowl team, especially in the Super Bowl where he recovered the fumble from the infamous Brandon Graham-Tom Brady strip sack.
Now he may be on the outs of playing time. While the Eagles have reportedly stated that they would like to keep him with the team, Barnett is looking for a new home with more playing time available.
Here is a look at three possible teams that the 27-year-old could be an option for:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Why not reunite with the head coach who was there when you were drafted? The offense of the Jaguars is loaded with talent while the defense could have a need for a veteran defensive end. The team is loaded with young talent but Barnett could find the needed restart there.
Cleveland Browns
Oh hey, look at that, another former coach of the Eagles. What’s better than being reunited with your former head coach? How about your former defensive coordinator? A Jim Schwartz-Derek Barnett reunion could be just what the doctor ordered.
Barnett was a staple in Schwartz’s defense during his time in Philly and the Browns could use more talent along the defensive line. He wouldn’t be a starter with Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith there but he could be a part of the rotation.
Philadelphia Eagles
Yeah, I know. Not what you were expecting but the fact of the matter is this. The Eagles are at their best when they have a deep defensive line and offensive line. Losing Barnett may open an unnecessary can of worms if anyone were to get injured.
While he is a bit of a hot case sometimes when it comes to controlling his emotions, the Eagles need the depth and I’m not so sure that they have it without Barnett. Plus, what better way to enter free agency at the end of the season than to have a great season with a possible Super Bowl contender?
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