The Philadelphia Eagles still have Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow battling into the final preseason game and they are both trying to make the roster along with Kenjon Barner for Chip Kelly as roster cuts are coming up next week. Barkley has been on the trade block this summer and if Tebow wins the third string job, Barkley could be traded.
Tebow and Barkley have been battling in training camp and the preseason to see who will end up third behind Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez. There was never any question in Chip Kelly's eyes that Bradford would be the starter and he is in that position now after getting through the preseason healthy. Bradford has been impressive all summer and now Kelly has to decide who should be his second backup. According to NFL.com, Ian Rapoport writes that Tebow has a "pretty good shot" to make the roster.
Tebow and Barkley have both had chances this preseason to take charge, but neither has outplayed the either enough to make a decision clear. The way certain reports are sounding though, it looks like Barkley will be done in Philadelphia. ESPN reported that Barkley has been on the trade block this summer and Dianna Marie Russini writes that Kelly is "increasingly excited" about having Tebow as an option on offense.
Keeping Tebow likely would mean using him in certain offensive situations along with him being a third string backup. Tebow has shown off his legs a bit in the preseason and Kelly likely would love using his versatility on decoy plays, goal line situations and maybe even in two point conversions. Kelly is a unique offensive mind and if Barkley and Tebow are close in his eyes, he may go with Tebow for the added value element. While Barkley may be a more competent "straight backup QB" than Tebow, he doesn't add much or the roster other than that, while Tebow has his running to bring to the table.
Rapoport writes that the Eagles have made Barkley "available to anyone via trade" and clearly so far the team has not found a deal they like. Barkley could get shopped again before final roster cut downs and while teams may not be willing to trade since they may think the Eagles will release the QB, someone could consider moving a late round pick to get it done. Barkley will start the final preseason game for the Eagles and Tebow likely will take over in the second half for the final performance in game action for the players before the season starts.
The Eagles also may take a hard look at Kenjon Barner, as he is making a push to stick around. According to CSN Philly, Kelly said that Barner is making a "he case" to stay with the team. The depth chart has DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles and Barner could be the fourth back. The team could see Barner as a potential replacement for Sproles as he gets older and to risk losing him, Kelly could give him a roster spot. The special teams contributions help a great deal, as Barner adds value as someone who can handle multiple duties (as RB and on returns).
