Eagles surprise trade takes new twist as details emerge

When Running Back Kenny Gainwell left in Free agency after four seasons with the Eagles, Philadelphia knew they had some options for who could fill the void of the veteran Third-Down Back.

The Eagles selected Will Shipley in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season as a Special Teams contributor and as the third Running Back on the depth chart. The organization was confident in Shipley's development that the loss of Gainwell would not be a major loss.

Philadelphia also added veteran power back AJ Dillon this offseason to take the load off Saquon Barkley. Dillon is an alternative option on short yardage plays and can be in the mix for different game scenarios.

But on Monday Night, the Eagles made a surprising trade.

General Manager Howie Roseman acquired Running Back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for 5th and 6th round draft picks.

Bigsby was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Jaguars. But after two years, his role in the offense was marginalized because the team had drafted two more Running Backs in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Bigsby is a high-level Kick Returner and will automatically be slotted into that role for the Eagles this season.  But the trade still gives the Eagles four running backs on the active roster.

Latest News Gives More Context on Why Eagles Made This Trade

Veteran NFL Reporter Derrick Gunn put out on X (formerly Twitter) that Will Shipley has a "fractured rib" and acquiring Tank Bigsby was in part to address the depth situation at the Running Back Position.

NFL Network Reporter Mike Garafolo had previously reported Shipley had a "Rib Injury". According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people need a month to recovery from a Fractured Rib, so it is fair to assume that we will not see Shipley on the field again until October.

Bigsby has nine rushing touchdowns in his first 33 NFL games. He is averaging 28.5 Yard per Kick Return Attempt during his NFL career, and during his time playing College Football at Auburn University, Bigsby averaged 23.5 Yards per Kick Return.

The Eagles play four of their next six games on the road. While the Birds are away from Philadelphia, here are some great options to watch the Eagles play with other Eagles' fans in New Jersey's southernmost county: