As the Eagles look to fill their hole at wide receiver, this trade could fix their gap at running back too.
Miles Sanders had a fantastic rookie season, but the window for a Super Bowl is small. If the Eagles can look into bringing in Cincinatti Bengals running back Joe Mixon, the team could be complete.
The Bengals running back has been reported to be ready to hold out if he isn’t given a contract extension. The 23-year old has played for three seasons with the franchise and is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Mixon has rushed for over 1,100 rushing yards in two consecutive years, including 1,137 yards and five touchdowns for a one-win team last year. He added an impressive 4.5 yards-per-carry as well. If the Bengals can’t find an agreement with Mixon, the team could try and find a trade partner.
Jordan Howard did not pan out last year, and he moved onto the Miami Dolphins. The Eagles ground game has been literally grounded since Chip Kelly traded away LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in 2015.
Since then, the Eagles have not had a 1,000-yard rusher.
Sanders finished last season with 50 receptions, but did not show flashes of being a downhill runner. Why shouldn’t the Eagles have interest in a young, explosive back. Besides, the Eagles were interested in the Penn State star in 2017 anyways.
It would likely cost at least a third round pick, which would be perfect. The team could keep Mixon and Sanders and give Carson Wentz the ground game he has desperately desired.
Mixon will make just $1.2 million in the final year of his rookie deal. The Eagles wouldn’t be required to extend him either.
It seems like a dream fit.