March 26, 2026, 2:59 p.m. ET

The Philadelphia Eagles may not be done shaping their roster before the NFL Draft just yet. There seems to be an intent to ‘draft-proof’ its overall structure, meaning Howie Roseman wants to make sure they aren’t desperate in any area before the end of April. According to Ed Kracz, a fascinating debate could be unfolding behind the scenes. It pits two positions of need against each other in a discussion about whether Philadelphia is considering a potential trade.

Two names sit at the crux of the discussion. As he puts it, in one corner sits Jessie Bates III, one of the league’s most consistent and productive safeties. In the other is Jonathan Greenard, a disruptive pass rusher who could immediately bolster the Eagles’ edge rotation.

Both make sense. Both come with questions.

The pros and cons of adding Jessie Bates

Let’s start with Bates. There’s a perception he’s nearing the end of his prime, but that isn’t entirely accurate. He’s actually younger than Marcus Epps and won’t turn 30 until next February. More importantly, he’s been far more productive, offering ball skills and consistency the Eagles’ current safety group lacks.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

The case for adding Bates is simple: stability. Philadelphia’s safety room still feels unsettled, and bringing in a proven playmaker would immediately raise the floor of the defense. The concern? It’s as simple as his $24 million cap hit. That’s a hefty number, though an extension could help soften the blow and spread the cost over multiple seasons.

The pros and cons of adding Jonathan Greenard

The Eagles’ need for pass-rush depth is just as pressing. Behind their current rotation, there are more questions than answers. Greenard has proven he can get to the quarterback, tallying strong production over the past few seasons.

However, a recent shoulder surgery clouds the picture. Was last year’s dip in production injury-related, or a sign of something more concerning? There’s also the matter of cost, both financial and in terms of trade compensation. One could reason, without much effort, that the Minnesota Vikings won’t give him away cheaply.

So, what’s the play?

Do the Eagles invest in the back end with a proven safety, or fortify the pass rush with a high-upside edge defender? They may not have the luxury of doing both. Either way, it feels like a decision is looming, and it could define how this defense looks heading into the 2026 season. Greenard’s name has been in play for a while now. Bates’s name was formerly tossed around and has now entered the chat again. Both would elevate the defense. Keep an eye on both as the offseason continues.