With the NFL Draft just over 24 hours away, the trade rumors surrounding Marcus Mariota are running wild. With most teams assuming Jameis Winston will be selected No. 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the race is on to get the No. 2 pick and acquire the former Oregon star. Teams are trying to organize the best deal to win over the Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles are still considered in the mix with a three-team trade.
According to Nick Aliotti, former assistant to head coach Chip Kelly, the Philadelphia Eagles are still finding out how to best acquire Mariota in the NFL Draft. The Eagles have been associated with Mariota ever since the quarterback announced he was entering the NFL. Kelly has stated that he does not plan on wagering a whole draft for one player, but has never actually said that Mariota was completely out of the question for the team. Aliotti confirmed that idea.
"If there's a way that he can get Marcus Mariota without selling the farm, I think he's still trying to do that," Aliotti said, via Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. "I know Chip and I have a lot of respect for Chip. He has a plan. I've had no conversations with Chip so I'm not putting words in his mouth, but I really think that if he can get Marcus Mariota he's able to do exactly what he wants to do with his offense there in Philly."
According to NJ.com, the Eagles are planning on moving forward with Sam Bradford, but their lack of commitment towards getting the quarterback under a new contract certainly raises eyebrows. The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Bradford is seeking a no-trade clause in his contract which is hurting negotiations. If things sour, expect the Eagles to aggressively search for a trade involving Mariota.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that competition is high for the No. 2 pick and the Eagles might not have the best trade package. The Cleveland Browns are offering two first-round picks to move up. The Chicago Bears are still dangling Jay Cutler. Rapoport believes the San Diego Chargers are exiting the race after declining to offer Philip Rivers. ESPN is reporting those two sides are working on contract talks of their own and not trade deals.
All signs point to the Eagles not acquiring Mariota and moving on with Bradford. That leaves the Titans and the Browns as the two likely landing spots for the quarterback with expectations being very high as he tries to live up to the hype.
