The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines on Sunday by orchestrating two significant trades aimed at strengthening their offensive line depth. The first move involved reacquiring offensive tackle Fred Johnson from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. Shortly after, the Eagles sent reserve offensive lineman Darian Kinnard to the Green Bay Packers for a 2027 sixth-round pick. League sources confirmed these trades to The Athletic.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming 2025 season, they face concerns regarding their offensive line depth. Following Johnson's departure in free agency, the team attempted to fill the void left by signing Matt Pryor and Kendall Lamm. However, neither player demonstrated the reliability needed during training camp, prompting the Eagles to seek additional reinforcements.
Reacquiring Fred Johnson is a strategic move for the Eagles. Having appeared in 34 games for Philadelphia over the last two seasons, Johnson brings valuable experience, having started six games in the 2024 season. His familiarity with the Eagles' offensive system makes him a suitable candidate to fill the swing tackle role and bolster the team's overall performance.
Darian Kinnard, a former fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, spent last season with the Eagles and has been part of teams that clinched the last three Super Bowl titles. Developed in Philadelphia as both a guard and tackle, Kinnard had the opportunity to start in the Eagles' Week 18 victory last season when coach Nick Sirianni rested key starters. Despite competing for a backup position this summer, Kinnard struggled to secure a definitive role coming out of preseason.
The Eagles take great pride in their ability to build a strong line of scrimmage, making the current uncertainty surrounding their offensive line depth chart particularly notable. With Johnson expected to serve as the top reserve tackle, the focus now shifts to identifying a reliable backup for the interior line. Matt Pryor, who has started 39 games in the NFL, is a contender, while Brett Toth has mostly been a practice squad player, yet has seen first-team snaps this summer due to Landon Dickerson's knee injury. Additionally, Trevor Keegan, a fifth-round pick in 2024, is still developing his role within the roster.
As the Eagles approach cut-down day, general manager Howie Roseman remains active, having completed five trades this summer. With deadlines looming, fans and analysts alike are left to wonder if another deal is on the horizon to further bolster the team's roster.
In summary, the Philadelphia Eagles have made decisive moves to enhance their offensive line depth through the trades of Fred Johnson and Darian Kinnard. With the season fast approaching, the team's management is keen on solidifying their roster to ensure a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
