Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has once again proven why he’s one of the NFL’s most aggressive and savvy executives. Armed with a stockpile of draft picks, Roseman has been wheeling and dealing at a relentless pace, and his latest move following the Eagles’ Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys is a stunner. In a trade that caught the league by surprise, the Eagles acquired third-year running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
“Trade: Jaguars are sending RB Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on September 8.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/JoelBleedsGreen/status/1965211640108126211
This acquisition adds yet another dynamic weapon to an already loaded Eagles running back room, which features reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, free agent signee A.J. Dillon, and rookie Will Shipley. Bigsby’s arrival creates a crowded backfield, but it’s one that could redefine Philadelphia’s ground game as a dominant force in the NFL.
At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Tank Bigsby brings a blend of size, speed, and explosiveness that was underutilized during his two seasons in Jacksonville. Last year, he racked up 820 yards of total offense and 7 touchdowns in 16 games, despite starting just once and playing behind Travis Etienne. Bigsby’s efficiency and playmaking ability were evident, but the Jaguars’ 13-21 record over the past two seasons, including a dismal 4-13 campaign in 2024, limited his opportunities to shine.
“Tank Bigsby is a legit good running back,” SB Nation’s Will Rucker wrote on X. “Howie is always going to strike when he feels he can get value. This is your RB2.”
Bigsby’s college career at Auburn hinted at his untapped potential. As a freshman in 2020, he earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors with 918 yards of total offense and 5 touchdowns. He followed that up with back-to-back All-SEC seasons, amassing over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in both 2021 and 2022. By the end of his three-year college career, Bigsby had accumulated an impressive 3,354 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns. His 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine further underscored his athletic prowess, leading the Jaguars to select him in the third round (No. 88 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein saw Bigsby as a perfect fit for a complementary role in the pros. “His size, creativity, and quickness could create an opportunity for teams to pair Bigsby with another back to form an effective tandem in a zone-scheme rushing attack,” Zierlein wrote in his 2023 pre-draft evaluation. However, he noted that Bigsby’s past fumble issues and limited contributions on third downs or special teams could be concerns.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/TopTierAuburn/status/1943466350707642444
The Eagles’ running back room is now bursting with talent, but questions remain about how the pieces will fit together. Saquon Barkley is the undisputed star, coming off a stellar Week 1 performance. Rookie Will Shipley showed promise as a backup against the Cowboys, rushing for 26 yards on three carries before leaving the game with a rib injury that may sideline him for Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. A.J. Dillon, meanwhile, struggled in limited action, managing just 10 yards on three carries, raising doubts about his fit in Philadelphia’s scheme.
Bigsby’s arrival could shake things up. At just 24 years old, he brings youth, upside, and a hunger to prove himself after being underutilized in Jacksonville. “To those who don’t know… Tank Bigsby is legit,” X user Rob Hodge posted. “Only 24 years old… Rushed for 766 yards and 7 TD’s last season. Perfect RB2…”
The trade has sparked excitement among fans, with X user Malibu proclaiming, “The Eagles running back room has to be the best in the league right?” It’s hard to argue otherwise. With Barkley as the lead back, Bigsby’s burst and physicality, and the potential of Shipley and Dillon, Philadelphia’s backfield could be a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Howie Roseman’s latest move is a testament to his knack for finding value and capitalizing on opportunities. By acquiring Bigsby for a modest price—two mid-to-late-round picks in 2026—the Eagles have added a player with the potential to be a game-changer in their backfield. Bigsby’s combination of speed, power, and SEC-proven pedigree makes him an ideal complement to Barkley, and his youth ensures he can grow with the team.
As the Eagles prepare for a tough Week 2 matchup against the Chiefs, Bigsby’s addition signals Roseman’s intent to build a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. If Bigsby can seize this opportunity with a competent franchise, the “wasted talent” from Jacksonville could become a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s offense. For now, Eagles fans can dream of a ground game that’s not just good—it might just be unstoppable.