Introduction to the Trade

In a recent NFL trade, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. This move has sparked a debate on whether the Eagles have given up too much for a player who primarily serves as a backup.

Evaluating the Eagles' Perspective

Tank Bigsby brings to the Eagles a robust running capability, as evidenced by his 124 rush yards over expectation last season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Despite a less impressive rookie season, Bigsby has shown potential in his running game. However, his contributions are largely limited to rushing; he has minimal involvement in the receiving game and pass blocking, which raises questions about his versatility.

The Eagles, who recently signed Saquon Barkley, are evidently looking to bolster their running back depth. Bigsby, alongside Will Shipley, is expected to provide the necessary support in the backfield. However, the investment in Bigsby, especially in terms of draft picks, has been viewed by some as excessive for a player who may not significantly impact the team's offensive strategy.

The Jaguars' Strategic Gain

From the Jaguars' perspective, this trade appears to be a strategic win. By trading Bigsby, who was not the starting running back, Jacksonville has acquired additional draft picks without significantly weakening their running back position. This move allows them to focus on developing Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten, their primary and emerging running backs, respectively.

Conclusion

While the Eagles have secured a solid runner in Tank Bigsby, the trade raises questions about the value of the investment relative to the player's expected impact. For the Jaguars, the trade provides valuable draft assets and aligns with their strategic roster development. As the NFL season progresses, the true value of this trade will become clearer, but for now, it remains a topic of considerable debate among analysts and fans alike.