Philadelphia Eagles: Jay Ajayi realizes the team is moving on

The Philadelphia Eagles pretty much close the door on a potential Jay Ajayi return with their latest trade for Jordan Howard.

It looks like Howie Roseman finally has an answer for the Philadelphia Eagles backfield. After a week full of interviews, and telling everybody to relax with the running back situation, it seems like Roseman’s calm demeanor came from the idea that he was making a trade with the Chicago Bears, to acquire 24-year-old running back, Jordan Howard.

With that trade though, it more than likely closes the door on another move that was potentially in the works. Now former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi is still teamless. As the 25-year-old running back remains available on the market, he was keeping his options open just in case he seeks out a deal that he really likes. Unfortunately for Ajayi, most of his offers were likely to be nothing more than a one-year trial contract considering his recent knee issues.

Ajayi suffered a broken back, and a torn ACL with the Eagles last year. And the worst part about it was that he was gifted the opportunity to lead the pack for the Eagles in 2018. His body wouldn’t do him any favors though. And as Ajayi met with the Indianapolis Colts a week ago, he left there without a deal.

Rumors began swirling that Ajayi’s reps were still having discussions with the Colts, but the Eagles were still in the mix as well. But with a trade available, Roseman couldn’t pass up a no-brainer decision to get a young, cheap, and healthy Jordan Howard. It was a done deal on Thursday night, and Ajayi didn’t seem too thrilled about the news.

Jay Ajayi reacts on Instagram

No words from Ajayi. Just a picture posted to his Instagram with him on the sideline in his uniform last season with a peace sign emoji attached. Clearly, Ajayi is saying peace-out to the Eagles as he’s come to realize that he won’t be back with the team in 2019 and beyond. Although the Eagles got a stellar addition with Howard, the loss of Ajayi isn’t exactly easy.

It’s tough to let go of the unknown, and thinking what could be if Ajayi just stayed healthy in 2018. The Eagles needed him, but he wasn’t available. For a moment, it felt like he would be back for a prove-it deal, similar to cornerback Ronald Darby’s, but the Eagles played it safe and got themselves a steal of a deal with Howard. Now, Ajayi will look to continue the next phase of his career elsewhere. Thanks for the memories, Jay.