Philadelphia Eagles are still interested in Duke Johnson, but aren’t close to a deal yet

Perhaps the biggest NFL trade rumor going around is the Philadelphia Eagles still being interested in Cleveland Browns’ Duke Johnson.

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman isn’t done dealing just yet. After making a few trades at the beginning of the NFL new league year last month, he’s still monitoring the market. We all know the most recent trade with the Chicago Bears landed Jordan Howard in a rather weak backfield, but it doesn’t seem like the Eagles are done improving that group just yet. Apparently, those rumors about the Eagles being interested in Duke Johnson are right.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the discussions are still ongoing. Earlier this week, Schefter made a big statement on Philly’s 97.5 The Fanatic saying that the Eagles are ‘likely’ to add another running back or two to the backfield for next season. So what does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the Eagles could draft a guy in a few weeks.

Being that the Birds met with more than a few running backs at the NFL Combine two months ago, it’s clear that they have some interest there. Also, there always a possibility of a potential returning veteran. Darren Sproles, Jay Ajayi, and even LeGarrette Blount are still available on the market, and it doesn’t seem like they have garnered a ton of interest for themselves there. While those above options are a possibility, so is making yet, another trade this offseason.

What’s the status of a potential deal?

The Eagles are interested in Duke Johnson. It just so happens that Duke Johnson is interested in getting traded from Cleveland, rather than staying put. So why isn’t a deal in place? Well, according to Schefter, there are talks, but nothing is getting done as of now. According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, a 2019 fourth-round pick may be the current price for Johnson. Considering that the Eagles have two fourth-rounders this year, they can definitely afford it. Is it worth it though?

Honestly, the unknown for a fourth-round pick may be more intriguing for the Eagles. There are tons of backfield talent in this draft, that will specifically be of great value during the fourth round. While Johnson is a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield, he’s surely not fitting to take over a backfield as the premier back anytime soon. Unless that price tag lowers to say – a sixth rounder like Howards, then the Eagles would probably pull the trigger. We’ll see how it turns out, but right now we shouldn’t expect a deal to go in place until closer to draft day.