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Eagles 2027 Contender Status Shifts Despite Current Struggles
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- Eagles 2027 Contender Status Shifts Despite Current Struggles
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Most fans assume the Philadelphia Eagles will tear down their roster after losing five straight games, but a key insider says the team is actually building for a specific championship window in 2027. While the current record sits at 2-5, the front office is not looking to start a massive rebuild right now. Instead, they are weighing heavy decisions on star players to ensure they have a deep squad two years from today.
The quarterback situation drives this entire strategy. Jalen Hurts is injured and will miss the rest of the season, which removes the pressure to win immediately. This gap gives general manager Howie Roseman time to plan for the future rather than panic about the present. Yahoo Sports reported that the organization expects to do little with the roster for the rest of the year, opening the door to trade veterans who do not fit the 2027 timeline.
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The Saquon and Baun Dilemma
The biggest question marks surround running back Saquon Barkley and linebacker Zack Baun. Both players are among the best at their positions in the entire league, and both are under contract beyond this season. Zach Berman wrote for Yahoo Sports that "Both are among the NFL's best at their positions. They're captains and under contract beyond this season." Keeping them makes sense for a team trying to contend in 2027.
However, a surprising twist emerges when looking at their ages. Barkley and Baun are both in their age-29 seasons, which changes the trade math significantly. A contender might secure a victory this year with their aid, and should the Eagles find an opportunity to acquire substantial value for either player, the window for such a deal is the upcoming two weeks instead of next year. The team faces a pushback against selling because they are not trying to rebuild from scratch, but they are trying to reload for 2027.
Why Injury History Matters
There is a strong argument that the Eagles should move on from Barkley before Baun. Barkley has dealt with injuries for much of his career, and those issues seem to be catching up to him over the past year and a half. In contrast, Baun remains an All-Pro-caliber player who does not look like he will lose his edge anytime soon. Teams will likely pay a premium for Baun because of his current health and performance level.
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While Barkley offers a path to a quick return, his health risks make him a risky long-term asset for a 2027 roster. Baun offers a safer bet for the future, even if his price tag is higher. The front office has to decide if they value immediate trade assets over keeping a proven defender for the next two years.
The Defensive Line Reality
The trade conversation extends to the defensive line as well, where young tackle Moro Ojomo is drawing interest from other teams. Albert Breer reported that teams have called to gauge the market for Ojomo, but the Eagles say they want to keep him. The team is telling interested parties they do not want to trade him and prefer to re-sign him instead.
Despite these words, the financial reality tells a different story. Ojomo remains in the final season of his rookie contract and will demand a significant market price upon entering free agency. Should he depart and secure a high-paying deal with another team, the Eagles might receive a maximum third-round compensatory selection. Given that Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter have already secured a combined $230 million at the position, a long-term extension for Ojomo will prove extremely challenging.
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The next two weeks will define the Eagles' path to 2027. They must decide if trading a healthy, aging star like Barkley is worth the risk of losing him for nothing later. The clock is ticking before the trade deadline on November 10, and the choices made now will determine if they are truly ready to compete when the next season arrives.
