Eagles Trade Move Fuels GM Howie Viral Reaction

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman couldn’t resist cracking a joke after hearing what the Atlanta Falcons gave up to re-enter the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His reaction—caught live on the Eagles’ behind-the-scenes draft room footage—quickly went viral and said what many around the league were thinking.

After selecting linebacker Jalon Walker at No. 15, the Falcons made a bold move back into the first round, trading their 2026 first-round pick, a 2025 second-rounder, and a seventh-rounder to the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 26 overall pick and a 2025 third.

With that pick, Atlanta selected edge rusher James Pearce Jr.

The cost raised eyebrows across the league, especially because just one selection earlier, the New York Giants had returned to the first round to take quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25—giving up a far more modest second-, third-, and future third-round pick to do so.

As the Eagles’ draft room learned the specifics of Atlanta’s move, Roseman turned to Julian Lurie and joked, “I understand why people aren’t taking our deals,” with a shrug and a smirk.

The moment, captured by the team’s cameras and shared on social media, was met with widespread praise from fans and analysts who applauded Roseman’s candor and savvy.

The Eagles later made their own move up the board—jumping from pick No. 32 to 31 to secure Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, a player Roseman later said was a “top-10 talent” on their board. The cost? Just a fifth-round pick, in stark contrast to Atlanta’s blockbuster package.

The juxtaposition highlighted the very different philosophies between Philadelphia and Atlanta.

While Falcons GM Terry Fontenot faced heavy criticism for surrendering future high-end picks, Roseman once again showed why he’s considered one of the NFL’s top negotiators. His draft room reaction was more than just a joke—it was a subtle flex rooted in years of careful, calculated roster building.

Philadelphia was reportedly exploring several trade-up scenarios as the board evolved, including potential moves to the mid-to-late 20s. But, as Roseman’s reaction made clear, the Eagles weren’t going to overpay for a move that didn’t align with their draft capital philosophy.

Eagles Trade Move Fuels GM Howie Viral Reaction

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