Is There Any Merit In Trying To Deal Otah To Philadelphia?

[PhillyB]

I'm not much for developing trade scenarios as there is almost no point to them if there isn't already rumors that a team is trying to make a play for somebody - there's too many variable factors involved (and fans generally screw over the trade partner to the point where it's not even remotely plausible.)

However, the Jason Peters dilemma in Philadelphia has intrigued me. In this article on NFL.com Dan Hanzus discusses the Eagles' problems with finding somebody to plug into a starting lineup. Peters, an all-pro left tackle, injured his achilles tendon during a workout (an injury panthers fans are all too familiar with) and will be out for the season.

The article mentions an utter lack of any free agent depth out there at the position, and it occurred to me that the Panthers snatched up a pretty healthy selection of the talent available out there, from grabbing Pollack from the Colts and trading for Campbell (both of them multi-year starters.) We are arguably fairly deep at OT and OG, with multiple contingency plans in place for injuries and rotations (we have tackles that can play guard, guards that can play center, guards that can play tackle, etc.)

Given that the Eagles will likely not be content with a no-name free agent, and will probably be hesitant to trade up to draft Reiff as an eventual replacement (assuming they even want to replace him) it would make sense that they'd be looking for teams with depth as potential trade partners. Would we fit the mold?

One potential answer is Jeff Otah. The pros for the Eagles would be that they'd be getting him on a cheap rookie contract that could be re-structured if he performed and they wanted to keep him. His injury history would prevent us from landing anything significant for him (I'd be ecstatic if we got a third-rounder, or a player) but if he doesn't perform for us this year we'd be cutting him anyway and losing out entirely. Our offensive line has been without him for two years - there'd be no significant falloff in production, and we've clearly made moves that give us insurance in case he doesn't return.

The Eagles will undoubtedly be keeping an eye out for trade partners and there's no reason to think we couldn't be on their radar.

[panthers55]

We would be lucky to get a fifth rounder for him at this point. Why would Philly want a guy who hasn't seen the field in 2 years and has a history of being soft. The only value he has at this point is let him play and hopefully he has a good year at which point his stock has gone up to the point we could tender him next year and get something if he goes elsewhere. I would think Bell has more trade value than Otah at this point.

[PantherBrew]

Do not sell low.

[Udogg]

I can't see how any team that is trying to get a tackle to fill in for an injured player would grab Jefff Otah. I think he is a really good guard when healthy but when is that? Why would Philly trade anything for him when like you said there is a possibility he could be cut before the season starts anyway.

[PhillyB]

We would be lucky to get a fifth rounder for him at this point. Why would Philly want a guy who hasn't seen the field in 2 years annd has a history of being soft. The only value he has is this point is let him play and hopefully he has a good year at which point his stock has gone us to the point we could tender him next yeat and get something if he goes elsewhere. I would think Bell has more trade value than Otah at this point.

that's the rub... he would could flub for them completely, but if he flubs for them he'll flub for us. the trade would be about getting anything at all for him while he's still under contract.

i'm not sure the FO could re-sign him to a long term deal with any confidence even if he did play with us this year.

[Udogg]

Thats why I think we could tender him and get something for him at the end of the season. If he is productive then can aggressively go into resigning(maybe). However an oft injured RT is not going to command big dollars I think.

[carolina-chuck]

I like Otah a lot.

He's a beast as we all know when he's healthy.

I wouldn't want to trade him for a fifth or anything lower.

See how healthy he can be next year and give him a low offer to bring him back once his contract is up.

[CRA]

Why do people want to trade a cheap and beast T who is in a contract year. You would get little for Otah with his health vs potentially getting beast like play from him for a season if he can get on the field.

[Snake]

I would think they would rather trade up and get a T. If they can't do that then they may trade for a player.

[panthers55]

I actually have high hopes for Otah this year. He is in a contract and has to know this is his last shot to prove himself. We really have little to gain if we release him and a lot more to gain if we keep him. THe best scenario is he has a good year and as a RFA we tender him for a high pick next year and we either keep him or someone takes a chance next year. It makes little sense to move him at all this year.

[CRA]

I also don't think Otah is a lazy sack a poo. Think he is a monster of a man that struggles with his health and lacks the ability to play on pain.

I think sometimes we are quick to bash these guys for not being Ronnie Lott and willing to play despite losing a finger. Otah is huge. Forcing himself to play when he shouldn't could just lead to life long problems for him. He doesn't seem like he can have a long career....but could be a big asset while cheap.

Get a healthly year from Otah....and you get potentially some of the best overall RT play in the NFL. Gap between THAT and Bell is HUGE

[PhillyB]

if philadelphia offers a fifth do you take it?

[chknwing]

it would be better to see how Otah plays this year. Would get more out of him this way then a trade.

[ClarkCam]

I don't see how many people would want to trade for Otah with his injuries the past two seasons. The only way they would trade for him is low, and I would not trade him for low because of how good he is when he is out there. It would be pathetic to trade him for low just to see him play all this upcoming season.