Report: The Eagles will have suitors if they want to trade Connor Barwin
18 February 2017 Eagles News
According to multiple sources that told Mark Eckel of NJ.com, the Eagles will have suitors if they elect to trade DE/OLB Connor Barwin.
Recently, there were reports indicating the Eagles were going to release Barwin, releasing Barwin saves the Eagles $7.75 million in salary cap space. However, by trading Barwin, the Eagles still save $7.75 million in salary cap space plus they will get something in return for him.
Barwin is still a good football player. But, the downfall of his Eagles career came when Jim Schwartz took over the defense. Switching the 4-3 defense really hurt Barwin. Barwin finished this season with just 34 tackles and five sacks.
Barwin is a much better fit in the 3-4 defense. Any team that runs a 3-4 defense will love to have Barwin on their team. When the Eagles had Billy Davis as their defensive coordinator, Barwin was almost unstoppable. Barwin totaled 244 total tackles, 26.5 sacks, 34.5 tackles for a loss, forced four fumbles and recovered one ( in just three years).
Here is a list of teams that run a 3-4 defense in the NFL. These are the teams that will be potential trade partners with the Eagles.
Potential Suitors Salary Cap Space
San Diego Chargers $20,231,314
Green Bay Packers $40,995,981
Baltimore Ravens $15,387,844
Arizona Cardinals $32,106,989
Indianapolis Colts $54,238,812
Kansas City Chiefs $4,724,707
New York Jets $1,491,862
San Francisco 49ers $78,688,264
Pittsburgh Steelers $36,763,733
Washington Redskins $58,881,921
Denver Broncos $31,904,799
Houston Texans $24,396,261
Tennessee Titans $62,389,464
Los Angeles Rams $37,394,280
Chicago Bears $51,632,252
As you can see, a lot of these teams (in their current salary cap space) have the capacity to trade for Barwin. He would be a great addition to most of these teams.
As for value, I cannot see Barwin being worth anything more than a mid to late round pick. Especially after the initials reports indicating he was going to be released. However, It is still nice getting something for him.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Grantland.com