The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round draft picks, a move reported on Monday night that strengthens the Eagles’ special teams and provides depth behind star running back Saquon Barkley. This trade is part of a series of recent acquisitions by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to bolster the team’s roster for the current season.
The Eagles sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to complete the deal, utilizing their ample draft capital strategically. Philadelphia had four fifth-round picks scheduled for 2026 before the trade and still retains three after this transaction, minimizing the impact on their future assets. This follows other moves, such as acquiring quarterback Sam Howell and wide receiver John Metchie III, highlighting the Eagles’ aggressive approach to maintaining competitiveness.
Tank Bigsby, a 24-year-old running back, was selected by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Auburn. In the 2024 season, he emerged as a productive player, rushing for 766 yards and seven touchdowns over 16 games, while also excelling as a kick returner with an average of 32.5 yards per return. His versatility and performance made him an attractive target for the Eagles, particularly for his special teams abilities.
From the Eagles’ perspective, Bigsby is expected to primarily contribute on special teams and provide reliable backup to Barkley, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Barkley carried a heavy workload last season with 378 touches, leading the league, and preserving his health for the playoffs is a key priority. The Eagles’ current backup running backs, Will Shipley and AJ Dillon, had only six combined carries in the season opener, indicating a need for additional depth in the rotation.
The Jaguars decided to trade Bigsby due to their depth at the running back position. Travis Etienne Jr. has established himself as the lead back, demonstrated by his 143-yard performance in Week 1, and the team drafted two rookies, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., in the 2025 draft. With Bigsby seeing reduced playing time—he had just five carries for 12 yards in the opener—trading him for draft capital allows Jacksonville to address other team needs, such as offensive line or defense, in the future.
This trade underscores the Eagles’ commitment to winning now, as they aim for another Super Bowl run after their recent championship. Bigsby’s fresh legs and special teams expertise could make an immediate impact, potentially as early as Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, by improving field position and providing relief for Barkley. For the Jaguars, it reflects a strategy focused on rebuilding and accumulating assets for long-term success.
The move highlights the dynamic nature of NFL roster management, where teams continuously adapt to maximize their competitive edge. It also demonstrates the value placed on versatile players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. As the season progresses, Bigsby’s integration into the Eagles’ system will be closely watched, with implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations and overall performance.