The Philadelphia Eagles could look at a Matt Barkley trade this year if Tim Tebow makes the roster for Chip Kelly and this comes as Kenjon Barner has made an impact in the preseason and that could force Kelly to keep him behind Darren Sproles, Ryan Mathews and DeMarco Murray on the depth chart for 2015.
Barkley has reportedly been on the trade block since before the NFL draft and while the Eagles have not made a move yet, there is a chance something could happen before the season starts. Dianna Marie Russini at ESPN reports that Barkley remains available in a trade and that the Eagles may look to "showcase" Barkley in the preseason in the hopes of making a deal. Russini previously reported that Kelly and the Eagles are "increasingly excited" about Tebow and that he has a good chance to make the roster.
Tebow was signed in the offseason by the Eagles and he is battling with Barkley to be the third string quarterback. While Tebow does not have the typical skills of a backup quarterback in the NFL when it comes to his throwing motion, he brings a lot to the table. Kelly may see Tebow as more valuable at the position, as he can be used as a decoy and in other offensive sets in ways Barley can't be used. Kelly has commented to the media that he likes Tebow' running skills and that could lead to him getting a roster spot.
The Eagles have depth in the running game with DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles on the roster, but Kenjon Barner could also end up in the mix after the way he has played. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kelly said that Barner is making a "huge case" to get a roster spot and it comes after he has returned two punts for touchdowns in the preseason, including a 92-yard score. Barner has put up over 50 yards on 12 total touches rushing and receiving and if he is used on special teams too, a roster spot is more likely.
The Eagles were planning to use four backs last season with Chris Polk and Barner could be a nice fit as a fourth option behind the main running backs. Darren Sproles has been getting work split wide this season and that also could help Barner find a role on the team. Barner played in seven games for the Panthers in 2013 and has just seven yards rushing in his career.
Russini writes that Tebow has a good chance to make the roster as long as he doesn't make any "major errors" through the rest of the preseason. Tebow went 6-of-12 for 69 yards in the opening preseason game for the Eagles and he also added a touchdown rushing the ball. Barkley threw for 192 yards and looked solid in that game and in the second game he had 86 yards on 6-of-14 completions. Tebow went just 2-for-5 in that second game and he had three rushes for 31 yards. The battle may come down to how Kelly views that third QB position behind Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez and how he wants to utilize it.
Check here for more on the Eagles roster situation, the Barkley and Tebow battle and more on Barner.
