Tank Bigsby Trade Boosts Eagles Running Back Depth/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks. With Bigsby likely serving as support behind Will Shipley, the Eagles deepen their backfield without major risk. The move reflects GM Howie Roseman’s ongoing strategy of maximizing short-term Super Bowl potential.
Tank Bigsby Trade to Eagles — Quick Looks
- Eagles acquire RB Tank Bigsby from Jaguars for 2026 5th and 6th round picks
- Bigsby rushed for ~700 yards last season, but ETN is Jaguars’ lead back
- Eagles seek to bolster depth behind rookie RB Will Shipley
- Howie Roseman once again makes a timely, low-cost move
- Bigsby isn’t a Saquon replacement but adds veteran presence and insurance
- Trade signals Jacksonville’s confidence in its RB depth under OC Liam Cohen
- Eagles stay aggressive in preserving their championship window
- Move improves Eagles now without compromising future draft capital
Deep Look: How Trading for Tank Bigsby Helps the Philadelphia Eagles
When it comes to front-office wizardry, Howie Roseman continues to write the playbook. On Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles pulled off yet another shrewd move, acquiring running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round draft picks.
While the trade may not make front-page headlines across the league, it’s exactly the kind of depth-building maneuver that sets great franchises apart—especially those in win-now mode like the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles.
Tank Bigsby: More Than Just a Backup
Bigsby enters the Eagles’ backfield rotation after a solid 2024 campaign in Jacksonville, where he recorded around 700 rushing yards. Despite flashes of strong performance, Bigsby was clearly playing in the shadow of Travis Etienne Jr., who has firmly claimed the Jaguars’ lead-back role. In Week 1 of the 2025 season, that distinction became crystal clear.
The writing was on the wall for Bigsby in Jacksonville. With new offensive coordinator Liam Cohen putting his stamp on the offense and the Jaguars appearing comfortable with their RB depth, Bigsby became expendable.
For the Eagles, though, he’s a valuable asset.
Howie Roseman Does It Again
At this point, NFL GMs should know better than to pick up the phone when Roseman calls. But they keep answering—and Roseman keeps winning.
The cost? Two mid-to-late round picks in 2026. The benefit? A hard-nosed, experienced runner who gives Philadelphia additional options behind rookie Will Shipley. For a team that’s built to win now, that’s a clear upgrade.
This isn’t about replacing Saquon Barkley. It’s about ensuring the Eagles aren’t one injury away from scrambling at running back. Bigsby’s skill set—north-south running, pass protection capability, and goal-line experience—adds immediate value.
Why It Works for Both Sides
From the Jaguars’ perspective, the move signals trust in their current stable of backs and confidence in their evolving offensive identity. Jacksonville is shaping the roster around Cohen’s vision, and Bigsby didn’t quite fit anymore.
Rather than let him sit unused or lose value, the Jaguars turned him into future assets. If those picks turn into contributors, the trade might benefit both sides.
Still, when judged through the lens of “who got better today?” the answer is simple: Philadelphia.
Timing and Value
It’s become a running joke among analysts that Roseman somehow “does it again” every offseason, whether it’s draft day or in-season maneuvering. The Bigsby trade feels like another page out of that same playbook: low-cost, high-upside, perfect timing.
While Bigsby isn’t going to headline the offense, his presence means the Eagles are deeper, more secure, and better positioned to handle the grind of a 17-game season and a potential playoff run.
Let’s not forget, the NFL postseason has become a war of attrition. Having multiple capable backs isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
What It Means for the Eagles
- Immediate backfield support: Shipley won’t be overworked in his rookie season
- Veteran insurance: Bigsby brings NFL experience in tough-game scenarios
- Roster flexibility: Coaches can tailor game plans with varying RB looks
- Super Bowl window awareness: The Eagles are clearly “all in” for 2025
Bigsby may not be the final piece to another championship, but he’s certainly a valuable one. This is the kind of “marginal gain” transaction that, in hindsight, often becomes vital in a deep playoff run.
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