Eagles bolster their defense ahead of trade deadline
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.
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.
Seahawks Cut Ties With Ex-24 TD Playmaker Days Before SNF Game vs. Commanders
The Seattle Seahawks are moving on from a familiar running back just weeks after adding the Pacific Northwest favorite to the roster. Seattle made the move to open up a roster spot for newly signed running back and specialist Velus Jones.
The Seahawks released former Washington Huskies standout running back Myles Gaskin. This news comes less than one month after Seattle initially signed Gaskin.
The running back had four straight college football seasons topping 1,000 rushing yards at Washington but has struggled to find the same success in the NFL. Gaskin posted 1,380 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2017. The playmaker added 232 receiving yards and three TDs through the air during the same season.
Here’s the latest Seahawks news ahead of the team’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders.
New Seahawks Playmaker Velus Jones Has Experience Playing Running Back & Wide Receiver
Jones gives Seattle a little more versatility as the veteran has played both wide receiver and running back in the NFL. Prior to joining the Seahawks, Jones played 34 games amid stops with the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.
The newest Seahawks playmaker is a speedster running a 4.31-second 40-yard dash ahead of the 2022 NFL draft. Following an impressive college career at Tennessee, the Bears selected Jones in the third round. Here’s how Bleacher Report outlined Jones as a prospect ahead of the 2022 NFL draft.
“Velus Jones Jr. is more of a return specialist than a wide receiver right now, but speed like his will always be a premium in the NFL,” Bleacher Report detailed in April 2022. “Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind.
“That rings true both with and without the ball in his hands, making Jones as much of a deep threat as he is a yards-after-catch weapon. With the ball in his hands, Jones can weave smoothly in between traffic and shows off impressive contact balance for a receiver of average size. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants.”
Seahawks Guard Christian Haynes Is on Verge of Returning From IR
Seattle also revealed some good news ahead of the team’s primetime showdown against the Commanders. Guard Christian Haynes has been designated to return after starting the season on injured reserve.
The move does not necessarily mean Haynes will play against the Commanders. Seattle has 21 days to put Haynes on the active roster or move back to injured reserve.
Seattle Will Wear Throwback Uniforms vs. Commanders
The Seahawks are 3-point favorites against the Commanders in the Sunday Night Football clash, per FanDuel. Seattle will once again be dusting off the team’s throwback uniforms.
The Seahawks will wear their royal blue jerseys with silver helmets and pants for the primetime matchup. Seattle is now in danger of safety Julian Love being sidelined after sustaining a setback.
“Julian Love had a bit of setback with his hamstring last week, so he won’t practice today, and his game status right now is in jeopardy, so we’ll work through that the rest of the week moving forward,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said of Love, per Seahawks.com.
