Which NFL trade deadline blockbuster will have the biggest impact?
By Joe Schiller
3. Jay Ajayi to the Eagles
In all likelihood, the Eagles submitted its trade papers with the Miami Dolphins wearing a ski mask. The 7-1 Eagles swooped in and got running back Jay Ajayi for an absolute steal of a deal. They gave away just a fourth-round draft pick, but get one of the best young running backs in the league. Not to mention, the Eagles further solidified their status as front-runners for a Super Bowl title.
If you think about it the Eagles got a younger, fresher and cheaper LeGarrette Blount. Ajayi seemed to outstay his welcome with Adam Gase in Miami, but it’s a fresh start and what a punishment. Ajayi is just 24-years old and has less than a $1 million cap hit over the next two seasons. With Blount set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, Ajayi will be the running back of the future for the Eagles.
Ajayi hasn’t run up to the same production we saw last season, but he enters a completely new offense. An offense with a franchise quarterback and a ton of weapons around him. And aside from the long-term benefits, Ajayi is an impact this season. Once he’s acclimated with the offense, it’ll be full steam ahead. Blount will take a bit of a back seat, but the Eagles now have two of the best running backs after contact this season. That kind of punishing run game draws defenses into the box and sets up the passing game perfectly for Carson Wentz.
The Eagles didn’t find Jason Peters’ replacement, but an upgrade at running back instead. It’s Super Bowl or bust in Philadelphia and they’re rolling with that mentality.