The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to bold, seismic moves—and they might be preparing to send shockwaves through the NFL once again. Already boasting a potent backfield duo of Saquon Barkley and A.J. Dillon, the Eagles could be on the verge of forming the most dangerous running back trio in football history. According to NFL analyst Sterling Xie of Pro Football Network, a trade for Austin Ekeler could be brewing—and if it happens, it might just tilt the balance of power in the NFC.
Ekeler, currently with the Washington Commanders, is an unlikely name on the trade block. But circumstances might make it possible. With four running backs on expiring contracts, the Commanders could be incentivized to deal Ekeler—especially with his $11.4 million cap hit and age (29) playing into the decision. The bigger twist? The idea of trading him within the NFC East to a Super Bowl contender. Unusual? Yes. Impossible? Not under the right conditions.
For Philadelphia, the interest makes perfect sense. Ekeler brings elite pass-catching ability out of the backfield—something neither Barkley nor Dillon specialize in. His 475 career receptions, 4,250 receiving yards, and 30 receiving touchdowns prove he’s more than a back—he’s a dynamic weapon. In fact, his receiving production rivals that of many slot receivers, making him one of the most complete offensive pieces in the league.
Picture this: Jalen Hurts under center. Saquon Barkley behind him. Austin Ekeler lined up in motion. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith stretching the field. Suddenly, every inch of grass becomes a threat. The Eagles wouldn’t just have a top-tier offense—they’d have the league’s most unpredictable, unstoppable, and mind-bending scheme.
Adding Ekeler to a backfield already featuring Barkley and Dillon would give Philly a truly unique three-headed monster. Barkley provides the explosiveness, Dillon brings the thunder between the tackles, and Ekeler offers finesse, vision, and versatility as a receiving threat. It’s a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators who’d be forced to prepare for every kind of back on every snap.
And then there’s the play-calling creativity this move would unlock. Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could draw up endless variations of RPOs, option plays, wheel routes, and screen packages—all with elite talent at every position. Third downs? Covered. Red zone efficiency? Skyrocketing. This isn’t just about adding a name—it’s about adding layers to an already terrifying offense.
Of course, there are risks. Ekeler dealt with injuries during the 2024 season, though he still averaged 4.8 yards per carry and earned All-Pro honors as a return specialist. His age means he may not be a long-term solution, but for a team in win-now mode like Philadelphia, the upside far outweighs the risk—especially if the cost is a Day 3 pick.
General Manager Howie Roseman has built a reputation on moves like this. Low-cost, high-upside additions that fit the system and amplify team strengths. Think Jay Ajayi. Think Haason Reddick. Think Darius Slay. Adding Ekeler would be another calculated strike—a move that makes a great team even greater without mortgaging the future.
The only true hurdle? Convincing Washington to part with Ekeler inside the division. While that’s a tough pill to swallow for any front office, there are reasons it could happen. If the Commanders want to recoup assets, clear cap space, and lean into a rebuild, they may not mind parting ways with an aging, expensive running back—especially if the price is right.
In the NFL, timing is everything. And for the Eagles, the time is now. They’ve already been to two Super Bowls in the last five seasons. They’ve got an MVP-caliber quarterback, elite weapons, and a top-tier offensive line. Adding Ekeler wouldn’t be about building a contender—it would be about finishing the job.
This potential deal isn’t just a transaction—it’s a declaration. A warning shot to the rest of the league that the Eagles are all-in. That they’re not content with being great. They want to be legendary. And with Ekeler in the fold, they just might become that.
If Roseman pulls the trigger, the rest of the NFL better brace for impact. Because when the storm hits Philly, it won’t be a drizzle—it’ll be a full-blown backfield thunderstorm.