The Eagles made a big trade over the weekend when they sent quarterback Sam Bradford to the Vikings and they’ve reportedly made another deal on Tuesday.
According to multiple reports, the Eagles have traded cornerback Eric Rowe to the Patriots for offensive lineman Josh Kline and a 2018 draft pick. The pick is a fourth-rounder, but can move up to a third-rounder if certain conditions are met.
Rowe’s departure continues the process of remaking the roster in the wake of Chip Kelly’s departure. Rowe was a second-round pick in 2015, when Kelly was making the personnel decisions in addition to coaching the team. He played 16 games during his rookie year, starting five times, and made 31 tackles and one interception.
Rowe, who can also play safety, joins a deep Patriots secondary. He gives coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia another piece to deploy, although we’ll see how long it takes him to get the scheme down in his new home.
Kline made 13 starts at guard for the Patriots last season, but had moved into a reserve role this summer. The Patriots kept 10 offensive linemen on their initial 53-man roster, so there’s still plenty to work with up front in New England. The Eagles are expected to start Allen Barbre and Brandon Brooks at guard, although that could change if a rumored 10-game suspension of right tackle Lane Johnson comes to pass.