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Bold Trade Proposal Sends Eagles' Derek Barnett to Bears

Originally posted on FanNation Eagle Maven
By Richie Whitt | Last updated 8/29/23

Derek Barnett wants out, and we wondered earlier this week if there would be any takers for the Philadelphia Eagles' first-round bust.

The folks at Pro Football Focus have a bold idea for Barnett's new landing spot: the Chicago Bears. And now Bleacher Nation agrees.

The proposal would having the Eagles trading Barnett to the Bears in exchange for Trevis Gipson. Both young pass rushers, desperate for changes of scenery. But ... would genius general manager Howie Roseman even such a deal?

“There is nothing wrong with inquiring about the price of doing business. In fact, I’d encourage it,” Bleacher Nation writes. "Trading Trevis Gipson and a 6th-round pick for Derek Barnett is the kind of deal that could satisfy the needs of both teams."

Barnett, 27, was the 14th overall pick in 2017, but has been a disappointment in Philly. He was limited to one game last season after suffering a torn ACL. Gipson, 26, was a 5th-round pick in 2020. He's played in 40 games, recording 10 sacks and five forced fumbles.

Another reason the trade might make sense: Bears' assistant general manager Ian Cunningham served as director of college scouting for the Eagles in 2017 when Barnett was drafted.

Considering Barnett's draft position and upside, the Bears might need to throw in a late-round pick along with Gipson to make the swap work.

The Eagles will cut down their roster to 53 Tuesday by the NFL's 4 p.m. deadline and continue preparing for their regular-season opener Sept. 10 at the New England Patriots.

This article first appeared on FanNation Eagle Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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