On Monday evening, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Las Vegas Raiders made a player-for-player trade.
Eagles Get:
Cornerback Jakorian Bennett
Raiders Get:
Defensive Tackle Thomas Booker
This deal has sparked a lot of discussion among fans and analysts. So, what does it mean for both teams?
Bennett, soon to be 25, stands at 5’11” and weighs 200 pounds. The Raiders picked him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 104 overall), right before Kelee Ringo at No. 105. Over the last two years, he started in 11 of 24 games, recording 11 passes defended but no interceptions. His performance improved dramatically from a passer rating of 102.5 allowed as a rookie to 67.7 in 2024. Remarkably, he achieved this while dealing with a shoulder injury, missing seven games. Bennett’s contract runs through 2026, giving the Eagles a valuable asset for a few years.
So why did the Raiders give up on him? Bennett was drafted under the previous regime of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. With the arrival of a new coaching staff, he seemed to lose favor, hinting at a shift in team priorities.
On the flip side, why did the Eagles pursue Bennett? There are questions about the current starting cornerback competition between Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson. Coach Vic Fangio noted that the competition is close, and perhaps the Eagles wanted to strengthen their options. However, it’s not guaranteed that Bennett will start right away. He might become a strong backup or even contend for a starting spot in the future, depending on how things unfold this season.
As for Thomas Booker, he was well-regarded but not essential enough to block younger players from getting time on the field. The Raiders were looking for depth at defensive tackle, and they have several former Eagles executives on their team, making this a natural fit.
In summary, this trade seems to be a win for the Eagles. They gain a young, promising player in Bennett while also managing their roster effectively. It’s a low-risk move with considerable upside.
Would you agree?
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