Derek Barnett Requests Trade From Eagles For More Playing Time

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to open the regular season on the road in Week 1 against the New England Patriots.

However, they might be doing so without a key member of the defensive line.

Eagles’ pass rusher Derek Barnett is reportedly seeking a trade, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Barnett’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been gauging interest around the league to see where Barnett might be able to get on the field.

Understandably, the 2017 first-round pick has a desire for more playing time after notching 14 sacks in a limited role in three seasons from 2019-2021.

After securing just two sacks in 2021, Barnett suffered a torn ACL in the Eagles’ season opener against the Lions in 2022.

Barnett’s Path To Playing Time Is Complicated In Philly

With Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat penciled in as the Eagles’ starting defensive ends and Haason Reddick rushing from the edge, Barnett’s path to playing time was already complicated in Philadelphia.

Then, the Eagles spent two first-round picks on defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith, leaving the team with a logjam of pass-rushers on the d-line.

Smith is expected to line up at defensive end and outside linebacker, taking snaps directly away from Barnett, who is still working his way back from a serious knee injury.

Known for committing penalties, Eagles’ defensive end has also been the subject of a few training camp fights, which may have hurt his standing on the roster.

With Barnett potentially on the way out, the Eagles depth chart might get shaken up ahead of the final round of roster cuts.

What Is Derek Barnett’s Trade Value?

Per early reports, Barnett could net the Eagles a third or fourth-round pick.

However, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Howie Roseman swing a deal for a veteran contributor instead.

The Eagles still have a few team needs heading into the regular season and shoring up the roster ahead of another potential Super Bowl run would be a win-now move.