Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Eagles bolster their defense ahead of trade deadline

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 5:13 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their defense ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline by adding depth to their cornerback room.

After defensive end Brandon Graham came out of retirement to help the Eagles pass rush, their secondary also needed some attention. Injuries have been an issue, as Adoree’ Jackson is out and Jakorian Bennett has been on injured reserve but was designated to return last week.

Philadelphia Eagles add cornerback Michael Carter II

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Eagles are acquiring cornerback Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the New York Jets in exchange for wide receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round draft pick.

The Eagles acquired Metchie III from the Houston Texans over the summer for tight end Harrison Bryant and a 2026 fifth-round pick. Metchie III had no avenue for getting playing time with the Eagles, as they have one of the best wide receiver tandems in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, with Jahan Dotson as their third option.

Sources: The #Eagles are trading for #Jets versatile CB Michael Carter II to fill a need for them, with WR John Metchie III heading to NYJ in the deal.

In all:
-- Philly gets Carter and a 2027 7th rounder.
-- New York gets Metchie and a 2027 6th rounder. pic.twitter.com/PAVGNwLL1k
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2025

Howie Roseman and the Eagles could still possibly add another edge-rusher to their defense

Having depth at wide receiver, Eagles vice president and general manager Howie Roseman could afford to make this move. The offense has shown it can overcome its struggles, with Saquon Barkley having his first game of the season with over 100 yards (150) rushing against the New York Giants.

With the 18th-ranked passing defense (215.9 yards per game), Carter II should help give Quinyon Mitchell some support and help lock down opposing receivers. That could give the Eagles' defensive front — Jalen Carter, Graham, Jordan Davis and potentially Jihaad Campbell — more time to get after the quarterback. Through eight games, Carter II has 14 total tackles, nine solo tackles and two passes defended.

Down another edge-rusher despite Graham returning, the Eagles can still possibly add someone like Jaelan Phillips of the Miami Dolphins, or work with the Jets again about defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. Adding either would give the Eagles extra depth to stabilize things until linebacker Nolan Smith comes off injured reserve.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. You can find my other work on Southside Showdown from FanSided and at Chicitysports where I cover all Chicago sports. When not watching sports, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

More must-reads: