Report: Eagles Trade for Tank Bigsby in Strategic Move, Jaguars Gain Future Draft Capital

In a surprising move that shook the NFL world just one week into the 2025 season, the Philadelphia Eagles have acquired running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to multiple reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars will receive 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks in exchange for the third-year running back. This trade, while seemingly minor, is a multi-layered maneuver that sheds light on the strategic priorities of both franchises and is a classic example of Philadelphia General Manager Howie Roseman’s aggressive, value-based approach to roster management.[1, 2]

The Eagles’ Play: Bolstering a Championship Roster

For the Philadelphia Eagles, the motivation behind the trade is clear: to fortify their backfield and manage the workload of superstar running back Saquon Barkley.[3, 4] Barkley, who earned Offensive Player of the Year honors after his historic 2024 season, handled a career-high 378 touches in the regular season, not including over 100 more in the playoffs.[3] With Barkley now 28 years old, the Eagles’ coaching staff is strategically focused on preserving him for the most critical moments of the season and a potential Super Bowl run.

The need for reliable depth became particularly urgent after backup running back Will Shipley suffered a rib injury in the season opener, leaving his availability for future games uncertain.[3, 4] Veteran A.J. Dillon, another free agent signing, had an underwhelming Week 1 performance, further highlighting the need for a competent and durable alternative.[1, 5] Bigsby’s acquisition addresses this immediate need and positions him as the clear RB2 on the depth chart behind Barkley.[6, 3, 5]

Beyond the running game, the Eagles also see Bigsby as a valuable asset for their special teams. Multiple reports indicate that the team is interested in his “effectiveness as a kickoff returner,” a role the Eagles have been exploring. Bigsby has a career average of 28.5 yards per kickoff return, a significant upgrade over the Eagles’ Week 1 returners who averaged just 16 yards.[4, 5]

The Jaguars’ Calculus: A New Era and a Clear Hierarchy

The trade is particularly “sudden” and “stunning” from Jacksonville’s perspective, especially since Bigsby was listed as a co-starter on the team’s unofficial depth chart heading into Week 1. However, a deeper look reveals a calculated and philosophical decision by the new Jaguars’ regime under General Manager James Gladstone and Head Coach Liam Coen. The decision to trade a recent third-round pick demonstrates a willingness to move on from players who do not fit their long-term vision.

The Jaguars’ Week 1 performance provided the final validation for this decision. While Bigsby had a productive 2024 season with 766 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, he was used sparingly in the season opener with just five carries for 12 yards. In contrast, Travis Etienne Jr. had a breakout performance, dominating with 16 carries for 143 yards, solidifying his role as the unquestioned lead back. The emergence of rookie Bhayshul Tuten, who impressed in training camp, also made Bigsby’s spot on the roster expendable, clearing a path for Tuten to step into the RB2 role.

Financial and Draft Capital Analysis

The compensation for Bigsby is a 2026 fifth- and sixth-round pick, with a key condition attached: the fifth-round pick, originally acquired from the 49ers, will upgrade to a fourth-round pick if Eagles linebacker Bryce Huff records eight sacks in 2025.[4, 3] On a draft value chart, a fifth-round pick is valued at approximately 31.4 points, while a sixth-round pick is around 16.2 points, for a combined total of 47.6 points.[7] If the pick is upgraded to a fourth-rounder, its value would rise to 54 points, increasing the total value of the trade to over 70 points for the Jaguars.[7]

Bigsby himself is on a cost-controlled rookie contract, with two years remaining after the 2025 season. His 2025 cap hit is just over $1.47 million, making him a low-risk, high-reward acquisition for Philadelphia. This financially prudent move allows the Eagles to maintain cap flexibility while adding a young, versatile player who can contribute immediately.

Conclusion: A Win-Win Based on Distinct Philosophies

The Tank Bigsby trade is a classic example of a win-win scenario, though for starkly different reasons. For the Jaguars, it was a practical and decisive move that brought clarity to their backfield depth chart and netted them valuable future draft capital for a player who no longer fit their strategic blueprint. For the Eagles, it was a calculated and opportunistic acquisition that provides immediate depth, helps manage the workload of their star player, and enhances their special teams unit, all at a reasonable cost.[4, 1] The trade underscores each team’s unique philosophy: the Jaguars are rebuilding and aligning their roster with a new vision, while the Eagles are continuously and aggressively fine-tuning a championship-caliber team. Bigsby’s new role as Saquon Barkley’s running mate is a testament to the Eagles’ commitment to maintaining their status as a Super Bowl contender.