This summer, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been quite busy, signing offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and others to new contracts.
On the defensive end of the field, Philly also made a number of additions, including linebacker Zack Baun, defensive back C.J. Gardner Johnson, and pass rusher Bryce Huff.
However, others believe the Eagles, who also have Devin White and Nakobe Dean on their linebacker corps, could need some more muscle. Bleacher Report’s Kris Knox proposed adding Tony Fields II, a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, in a trade.
TONY FIELDS II PICK-6! #Browns pic.twitter.com/uI78zrYWHL
— Browns fan UK (@brownsfanuk) December 4, 2022
On May 13, Knox wrote, “There’s room for more depth, even with linebackers like White and Zack Baun in the fold. Philadelphia’s tackling and second-level defense were atrocious last season.” “To see whether Tony Fields II is available, Roseman ought to try giving former Eagles vice president Andrew Berry a call.”
What Would the Eagles Give Up in a Trade for Tony Fields II, a Linebacker for the Browns?
The quick response is probably not very much. If the Browns don’t think Fields is a crucial component, they might be convinced by a potential Day 3 selection.In his three seasons with the Browns, Fields has displayed flashes, but primarily as a reserve, Knox noted.
During the previous season, he played in all 17 games, recording 34 tackles, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, and an opposing quarterback rating of 82.0 in coverage. With Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush joining the Browns, Fields, who is about to enter the final year of his deal, might end up disposable and buried on the depth chart.
Fields was selected by the Browns in the fifth round (153rd overall) in 2021. During his three seasons in Cleveland, Fields has made 44 appearances and started ten games. He recorded 34 tackles and a fumble recovery that resulted in a score in 17 games (four starts) during the previous season.
Although the 6-foot, 222-pound linebacker wouldn’t be a headliner, he might be a good depth addition for an LB corps that Philadelphia’s defense found vulnerable the previous season. At the age of 24, he has not yet reached his prime.
The Eagles could absolutely use a strong tackler in the middle, such as the former West Virginia and Arizona linebacker.
Eagles’ Linebackers’ Room Needs Improvement
A missed tackle from Nick Morrow and Deebo Samuel has a 48 yard TD
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 3, 2023
For good cause, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic dubbed the Philadelphia LBs room the “most unpredictable position group on the roster.” Nick Morrow and Zach Cunningham, two of Philly’s linebacker contributors from the previous season, are no longer with the organization.
In particular, Morrow had moments of difficulty. On December 3, of last year, the Niners defeated the Eagles 42-19, and Morrow missed a crucial stop on 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel.
In addition to selecting Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the fifth round of this year’s draft, Philadelphia signed Baun and Oren Burks over the offseason. Although Trotter, the son of former Eagles great Jeremiah Trotter Sr., looks like an intriguing potential, it might not be a terrible idea to add a veteran who can contribute in the covering area.
Fields might meet the criteria. During his last two seasons, PFF found that opposing quarterbacks had a 74.1 passer rating while throwing to him.
Fields, a fifth-round pick by Cleveland in 2021, hasn’t contributed much to the defense unit over the previous three seasons—that is, he doesn’t seem to be a vital component of the Browns’ offense. It might be worth Roseman giving him a call, given his age and potential.