The Philadelphia Eagles have always been known for being bold when it comes to building their roster. And heading into the 2026 offseason, they are at it again. With several players entering the final year of their rookie contracts, GM Howie Roseman is facing some big decisions and trade talks are already heating up. Let’s break down what’s going on, who’s involved, and why this matters for the Eagles’ future.
The Current Situation in Philadelphia
The Eagles had a solid 2025 season, but it wasn’t without problems. The offensive line, once one of the best in the NFL, dealt with major injury issues. Lane Johnson played in only 10 games. Landon Dickerson was never fully healthy. Even Cam Jurgens, who just signed a rookie extension, missed several games.
On top of that, the Eagles lost their longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, which adds more uncertainty to a group that needs stability. So while the team still has a strong core around Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, some changes are clearly needed.
The Player Most Likely to Be Traded: Trevor Steen
One name getting a lot of attention right now is Trevor Steen, the Eagles’ right guard. Steen was a draft pick who stepped in when Mekhi Becton got hurt and actually performed better than most people expected. Steen ranked 15th out of 79 qualifying guards and was in the top 10 as a pass blocker in 2025.
That’s pretty good. But here’s the issue, he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal and did not earn an early contract extension from GM Howie Roseman, which usually signals that a player’s days with the team may be numbered.
His cap number is also set to jump. His salary cap number is expected to rise from around $1.85 million to $4 million in 2026 due to a performance escalator. That’s manageable for a starting guard, but if the Eagles aren’t planning to keep him long term, trading him now while his value is high makes more sense than letting him walk for nothing.
So the choice is simple: either let Steen play out 2026 and leave as a free agent, or trade him now and get something in return. Roseman, known for always finding value in deals, will likely explore the trade route.
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The Tanner McKee Situation
Another rookie deal player drawing trade interest is backup quarterback Tanner McKee. Jalen Hurts is clearly the starter and isn’t going anywhere, but McKee has caught the attention of other teams around the league.
McKee is someone who could be in danger of being on the move this offseason. With only one year of contract control remaining, the Eagles would be smart to trade him now while they can still get value.
One interesting idea making the rounds involves a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The proposal would send McKee to Pittsburgh in exchange for edge rusher Nick Herbig. Herbig is just 24 years old and had 7.5 sacks in 2025, making him an attractive target for Philadelphia, especially with Jaelan Phillips heading to free agency.
Trading a backup quarterback you don’t really need for a young pass rusher with real production? That’s the kind of move Eagles fans should be excited about.
Tank Bigsby: A Key Piece Going Forward
On the other side of things, the Eagles did pick up Tank Bigsby in a trade back in September 2025, and he turned out to be a real find. Bigsby averaged 5.9 yards per carry on 58 attempts, the highest average by an Eagles running back with at least 50 carries since 1949.
He’s now entering the final year of his rookie deal at just $1.44 million, an incredible bargain for a productive back. The Eagles are expected to keep him, and rightfully so. He gives the team a strong complement to Saquon Barkley in the backfield.
Why Roseman Trades Rookies And Why It Works
If you follow the Eagles closely, you know that Howie Roseman has a pattern. He identifies players on rookie deals, finds the right moment when their value peaks, and either extends them or moves them for assets. It’s a system that has worked well over the years.
The Eagles have made multiple trades involving picks and players in the 2025 and 2026 cycles, including deals with the Falcons, Vikings, Texans, and 49ers, showing just how active Roseman is in reshaping the roster each offseason.
When a player like Steen or McKee is on a rookie deal and doesn’t fit the long term plan, trading them is smart business. It brings back picks or players who can help the team both now and in the future.
What Fans Should Expect
The 2026 offseason is going to be active for the Eagles. Between potential trades, free agency decisions, and the NFL Draft, Roseman has a lot of tools to work with. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
Steen trade: Watch for interest from teams that need offensive line help. His pass blocking ability will draw attention.
McKee trade: The Steelers deal is the most talked about scenario, and it makes sense for both sides.
Draft strategy: The Eagles currently hold several picks, including possible compensatory selections, giving them flexibility to move up or add depth.
Edge rusher priority: With Phillips likely gone, adding a young pass rusher is a top need, and the McKee trade could solve that.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles are not rebuilding, they’re reloading. The core of this team, from Jalen Hurts to Saquon Barkley to Cooper DeJean, is solid. But the offseason is where smart teams separate themselves, and Philadelphia has shown they know how to find value in trades involving rookie deal players.
Whether it’s flipping Steen for draft capital, turning McKee into an edge rusher, or locking up Tank Bigsby for another year, the Eagles are making calculated moves. The rookie trade attempts you’re seeing right now aren’t panic moves, they’re chess moves from a front office that plays the long game.
Stay tuned, Eagles fans. This offseason is just getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is the Eagles rookie most likely to be traded in 2026?
Trevor Steen, the Eagles’ right guard, is the player most likely to be traded. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the Eagles may look to move him for picks or other players since they haven’t offered him an extension. - Why would the Eagles trade Tanner McKee?
McKee is a backup quarterback with only one year left on his deal. Since Jalen Hurts is the clear starter, trading McKee while his value is high makes more sense than letting him walk for free after the 2026 season. - What could the Eagles get in a Tanner McKee trade?
One popular proposal involves trading McKee to the Pittsburgh Steelers for young edge rusher Nick Herbig, who recorded 7.5 sacks in 2025. It would fill a key need for Philadelphia at a position of concern. - Is Tank Bigsby staying with the Eagles?
Yes, it looks that way. Bigsby performed very well in 2025 and is still on a cheap rookie deal. He’s expected to remain with the team as a valuable backup to Saquon Barkley. - How does Howie Roseman decide when to trade a rookie?
Roseman typically trades players when their value is at its highest and their long term fit with the team is uncertain. If a player hasn’t earned an extension offer, it’s usually a sign that a trade is being considered before the player’s value drops.
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