Eagles deal LB Joe Mays for RB J.J. Arrington

Slowly but surely, the Eagles are starting to whittle down their linebacker depth. After entering training camp with 9 linebackers fighting for 6 spots, the Eagles made the quick decision to cut Alex Hall. Now, according to Adam Schefter, the Eagles have traded one of their other linebackers, dealing Joe Mays to the Denver Broncos for running back J.J. Arrington or a conditional 6th round draft pick in 2012 if Arrington doesn't make the team.

While I understand the reason for shedding Mays, who I figured was going to be on the outside looking in as the Eagles finalized their roster, the move to get another running back is an odd one. With LeSean McCoy already holding down the starting running back spot and Mike Bell figuring to be the backup, the Eagles were set to have a battle for third string RB between incumbent Eldra Buckley and rookie Charles Scott. Adding Arrington, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, to the mix jumbles things up a bit. Do the Eagles think Arrington, who rushed for only 654 yards in his 4 seasons with the Cardinals, has what it takes to beat out Scott or Buckley for a roster spot? Sure, Arrington has some nice hands out of the backfield, something we know the Eagles love, but I just can't see him making the squad over a rookie with potential like Scott or a special teams ace like Buckley unless he has a tremendous training camp.

Chalk this one up to a curious trade by the Eagles. Perhaps that's the best player they could get in return for any of their excess linebackers. Personally, I would rather they just take the draft pick although it certainly won't hurt to take a look and see if Arrington can make an impact.