Eagles trade guard Allen Barbre to Broncos

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded Allen Barbre to the Denver Broncos.

Originally believed to have been simply cut from the team, left guard Allen Barbre was moved for a 2019 conditional pick on Wednesday. The move comes as a surprise to many, as Barbre was a solid starting left guard for Philadelphia last year.

For all of the issues the Eagles had down the stretch, a change makes sense. While Lane Johnson can take responsibility, his absence showed a lack of offensive line depth in Philly. It certainly wasn’t the only problem the Eagles had. Among them, a defense that couldn’t close games down the stretch played its part. Allowing an average of 23 points per game beyond Week 8, combined with a rookie quarterback leading an injured offensive corps that averaged only 20.2 points per game down the stretch, shows problems beyond that of the offensive line.

Barbre’s trade will save the team $2.1 million in cap space this season, allowing more flexibility if the Eagles decide to sign a new player for depth using some of the new cap space.

Offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s offensive line unit will move forward with second-year left guard Isaac Seumalo as the starter. At first look, the upside is obvious. Seumalo is a full 10 years younger than Barbre.

Based on his NFL.com scouting report, the 2016 third-round pick from Oregon State is a solid fill for the Eagles.

"Quick feet and plays with above average lateral movement. Well­-schooled with technician’s understanding of footwork and angles to secure reach blocks and wall defenders out of the running lane. Patient blocker waiting for his feet to settle into place before engaging. Operates with a centered, sure base and reliable core strength. Has experience at center, right guard and both tackle spots. Unselfish and does what is asked of him. Pass sets look like a tackle’s with desired knee bend, flat back and arm extension."

In a season that ended with an 82.2 season grade for Barbre, he was rated as the No. 16 guard by Pro Football Focus at the end of the 2016 season. However, for a 33-year-old guard, his consistency is the question. At the end of the 2015 season, PFF’s John Breitenbach said that while Barbre was set to start, there’s a reason he’s called a journeyman, having played for Green Bay, Seattle, Philadelphia and now Denver. Consistency isn’t something players typically pick up as they get older.

For the Broncos, it’s more likely a depth move.  Barbre will have to compete with new Broncos signee Ronald Leary for his chance to start this season. Considering the money Denver is paying Leary for his services, as well as his being six years younger than Barbre, it looks likely that Leary will be the likely starter.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft instant grades

It’s an unfortunate turn for Barbre, who was a top-five guard to start the season last year. He and the Eagles got off to a hot start but, like Barbre himself, were bitten by the injury bug. Barbre suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8 against Dallas and never really recovered. At 33, nagging injuries have to be a major concern. He tried multiple weeks to play, but was ultimately inactive following flare-ups in Week 14 against Washington and week 15 against the Giants. Once again on a new team, Barbre has to be hoping for a chance to prove that he still has something in the tank.