Mark Eckel of NJ.com, citing multiple sources, reports that there are expected to be a “handful” of suitors if the Eagles elect to either trade or release veteran DE Connor Barwin in the coming weeks.
“If they cut him, teams will be lining up for him,” a pro personnel man with an NFC team tells Eckel. “He wouldn’t be out of a job for long. I would think they could trade him and get something back. He has value. His deal this year isn’t that bad.”
According to Eckel, some teams to watch for Barwin could include the Packers, Ravens and Colts, as they all employ 3-4 base defenses, which some believe is a better fit for Barwin.
In order to complete a trade, Barwin would likely have to agree to restructure his contract, which may not be all that big of an obstacle.
Barwin previously mentioned that he’s willing to take a pay cut to be back in Philadelphia next year.
“Yes, I would take a pay cut,” Barwin said, via CSNPhilly.com. “I mean, my plan is to stay here. You know, people talk about my contract and I think, I like to think, I’m a reasonable person and I feel like I’ll work with the Eagles and we’ll restructure and make some kind of deal that works for everybody.”
Barwin, 30, is a former second-round pick of the Texans back in 2009. He will be entering the fifth year of his six-year, $36 million contract that included $8 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $7 million for the 2017 season.
According to OverTheCap.com, trading or releasing Barwin would free up $7.75 million in available cap space while creating $600,000 in dead money.
In 2016, Barwin appeared all 16 games for the Eagles and recorded 34 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble and two pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 100 edge rusher out of 109 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding a potential trade involving Barwin as the news is available.
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