During last year’s free agency period, the Eagles made cornerback Byron Maxwell one of the highest paid players at his position, signing him to a six-year, $63 million contract. Fast forward to March 7, two days before free agency, the Eagles are looking to move the cornerback.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Eagles are in trade talks with the Miami Dolphins involving Maxwell.
The #Dolphins are in talks with the #Eagles on a trade for CB Byron Maxwell, source said. It's in the works,
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2016
Rapoport also reports that the two teams are in deep trade discussions, trying to move the $63 million cornerback. This past was not the greatest for Maxwell, as fans expected him to play like a number one cornerback. In 2015, Maxwell had 52 tackles, 10 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Maxwell’s 2015 season got off to a rough start, as he got torched by Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones to the tune of nine receptions for 141 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Then Maxwell followed up his week one performance by allowing Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams to blow past him for a 42-yard touchdown.
After those first two weeks, Maxwell seemed to get more comfortable in the Eagles’ defensive scheme, matching up with opposing teams’ number one wide receivers. But with that being said, while the Eagles moving Maxwell would a shocker, it’s a move that can give them more space under the salary cap before free agency starts on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
It will be interesting to see what the Eagles could possibly get for the cornerback as the Dolphins are expected to release Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes in the coming days, according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Update
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles are trying to finalize a trade package to the Dolphins that will now include linebacker Kiko Alonso. In return, the Eagles could possibly get draft-pick compensation. This past season, Alonso only played in 11 games and compiled 30 tackles, a pass deflection and an interception.
Update: 3:29 p.m.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, both Maxwell and Alonso have been notified that they will be traded to the Dolphins, pending physicals are successful.
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