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Philadelphia Eagles Don’t Need To Trade For Tashaun Gipson

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An interesting idea hit digital print today thanks to Ed Kracz from The Intelligencer.

According to his reports, Cleveland Browns Pro-Bowl safety Tashaun Gipson failed to sign his second-round tender and report to team activities today. As a result, Kracz feels the Philadelphia Eagles might be a good trade partner for Gipson, with linebacker Mychal Kendricks being the piece the Eagles move for him. It sounds good in theory, but in reality, I don’t think the Eagles really need Gipson that badly.

Let me start by saying Gipson is a pretty good cover safety. In 29 games, he’s notched 12 interceptions. At first glance, trading for a guy like that makes a lot of sense, especially when you consider the garbage the Eagles have had back there in recent years. I’ve got three reasons sticking out to me that make me want to stick with what we have.

Firstly, we already have a logjam of defensive backs as it is. Guys like Eric Rowe, Jaylen Watkins, Brandon Boykin and Walter Thurmond are all decent options that need to be on the field. Between Watkins and Rowe, the Eagles have their answer to the second safety spot. Maybe I’m more bullish on Watkins than most people, but I really think he’s got a lot of potential to be tapped into. Plus, he’s already got the system down cold, so he’s ready to hit the ground running.

Secondly, I think the upgrade from Watkins or Rowe to Gipson isn’t as great as the downgrade from Kendricks to DeMeco Ryans is. It’s important to keep in mind that Ryans is aging and is working back from another serious injury. He may only be turning 31 years old this July, but his body has been through a lot of damage.

Meanwhile, Kendricks is one of the Eagles’ best pass rushers and would arguably form the best inside linebacker tandem in the league with Kiko Alonso. Ryans is a beast against the run. Overall, I think Kendricks is a lot more dynamic. Looking three years down the line, I want Kendricks more than Ryans.

Lastly, if the Eagles are going to move Kendricks, I would rather get a draft pick. I understand why the Eagles had to cough up their second-rounder in 2016, but I don’t like that they had to do it. Especially since that pick could have effectively addressed some needs. Kendricks is good enough to command a second-round pick from someone out there, and I think it’s safe to assume that a team would pay that price. He may not have your prototypical linebacker size to him, but he’s a gamer and a tremendous force on the field.

For as much of a ball hawk as Gipson might be, I just don’t see where the Eagles get the better half of a trade for him. I think Kendricks is more valuable. If he was to be shipped out, I think the draft pick they’d get for him is more valuable also. I’d rather the Eagles stick with what they have — their defensive potential in 2015 is already high enough.

Doug Green is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL.  Follow him on Twitter @DGreenNFL. 

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