3 Thoughts following Philadelphia Eagles addition of DE Genard Avery

The Philadelphia Eagles have added defensive end Genard Avery to the nest via trade. He was formerly of the Cleveland Browns. We’ve got a lot to discuss.

Well, you got your wish if you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Vice president and general manager Howie Roseman made a move, and defensive end Genard Avery will trade a Cleveland Browns jersey for a midnight green one.

He was a fifth-round draft choice by the Browns in 2018 who went 150th overall. So far in his NFL career, he’s appeared in 18 games with five starts. He’s totaled 41 combined tackles. 31 have been of the solo variety, and five have resulted in a loss. He also has 4.5 sacks on his resume.

Let’s not waste a ton of time. Here are three thoughts on the move.

1. What does Cleveland get in return? 

According to an original official statement by the team, Cleveland got an undisclosed draft pick in 2021. We’ve now learned that will be a fourth-round selection. Looking at the current draft class you could make a successful argument that there isn’t a pass rusher in this group that Philly could get in Round 4 or later that might be better.

2. Okay, so it isn’t a cornerback but…

For many Eagles fans, this probably isn’t the move that you were hoping for. Most have been waiting to hear the name Patrick Peterson or Chris Harris Jr., but so far, that hasn’t happened. Maybe adding a corner is the next move?

3. Does this actually solve anything?

Some of you are probably wondering how adding a reserve defensive end fixes Philly’s problems in coverage or the pass rush. That’s a very fair statement. Here are a few others.

One, what does this say about the confidence the Eagles have in Josh Sweat or Daeshon Hall. They’re getting nothing from the former, and the latter can’t get on the field. The Eagles have also waived defensive tackle Bruce Hector in a corresponding move. History has taught us that he’ll probably now be added to the practice squad tomorrow morning.