Eagles mailbag: Joe Haden, running backs, Mychal Kendricks, and more

The Eagles ended practice early Tuesday, cutting the Philly.com weekly Eagles chat early, too. Here are the answers to some leftover questions — and an additional question sent this morning — to go along with the answers from Tuesday.

Looks like the Browns have cut Joe Haden this morning. What do you peg the Eagles' chances of signing him? – Rick

Like you, Rick, that was my first thought when I saw the news. It sounds like the Pittsburgh Steelers are the favorites, per ESPN. I know Haden hasn't been as productive the past two years while dealing with injuries, but he's 28 and a two-time Pro Bowler. But I don't think the Eagles are going to be a realistic option at this point. It would come down to price, of course, and what he's looking for as far as years. In 2017, Haden would certainly be an upgrade over what the Eagles have at the position. But I think the Eagles would like their 2018 starters to be Sidney Jones and Ronald Darby, with Jalen Mills as an option in the slot. So I don't know if the Eagles will be in the market for a significant long-term deal for Haden, especially with the resources already allocated to the position (second-round and third-round pick this year, third-round pick next year). I think the price might be better elsewhere.

Are we set at running back, or is Howie Roseman looking at the cuts? – bdbd20

They shouldn't be set at running back. I think the personnel is a problem at the position, and it pays to look to see what's out there. I'm always in the camp that it's hard to improve the top of your roster in September, but in this case, I think the Eagles would be well served to see if there's a better solution than LeGarrette Blount.

Who could it be? I don't know who will be available. But here's a name I'd at least consider: Washington's Matt Jones. He's fallen down the depth chart and his fumbles have been a problem (8 fumbles, 6 lost in 243 career carries), but he's a 24-year-old, 239-pound rusher who averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season in seven starts.

Of course, Blount is more of a proven player. He has two 1,000-yard seasons and led the league with 18 touchdowns last season. Given that it's a position in transition (Blount and Darren Sproles likely won't be here next year), the Eagles might be more comfortable with an experienced veteran as part of the rotation.

Frankly, I think Darren Sproles is their best running back. I don't know if they'd make him a featured running back, but he should get the most snaps.

In your estimation, do you think Mychal Kendricks gets traded? What would your guess at compensation be? – PhillyDoctore

Considering he's seemingly been on the block for two years, you can never rule it out. And he's had a good preseason, with three interceptions and one sack. But at this point, I'm not sure I'd move him. Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham played 16 games last season. Can they count on that happening again? They've already experimented with Bradham and Kendricks on the field together in nickel if Hicks goes down. I don't know if Najee Goode, Kamu Grugier-Hill, or Nate Gerry give you what Kendricks could give you. If the price is right, you consider everything. But I wouldn't move him now.

As for the price, my guess is it would need to be an early Day 3 pick.

Is Colin Kaepernick a real possibility? – Guide Merkens

I don't think that's something the Eagles are considering right now. All indications are that they have confidence in Nick Foles returning for the season. And if Foles' injury continued to linger, I'd think they would turn to Matt McGloin before pursuing Colin Kaepernick. McGloin has NFL experience, spent time in the system this summer, and has a background working with quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo. So I'd say it's not a possibility right now – for football reasons, not social reasons. I'm not suggesting that's the right decision. I'd just be surprised if the Eagles considered a quarterback from outside their system at this point in the summer.