This Eagles-Patriots Joe Thuney Trade is the Perfect Deal for Both Sides

The Philadelphia Eagles have consistently rostered one of the better offensive lines in the NFL in recent years. Entering the 2020 season, however, they're in a bit of a bind. The team lost Jason Peters and Halapoulivaati Vaitai to the open market, and last week, starting guard Brandon Brooks suffered a torn left Achilles tendon. What are the Birds to do?

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Eagles are interested in New England Patriots guard Joe Thuney and would "at least explore" a trade. Considering the defending NFC East champs are insistent on defending their divisional crown, they need to act quickly and make an offer for Thuney.

Thuney was originally slated to hit free agency this offseason, but the Patriots opted to place the franchise tag on him in hopes of finding a way to retain him or using him as trade bait. Here's the thing -- Thuney is set to make $14.8 million on the tag in 2020 and is looking to sign a lucrative contract, so the Patriots aren't going to receive multiple top draft picks in return.

However, the Patriots could become enticed if the Eagles send their 2021 third-round pick and tight end Dallas Goedert.

The Eagles have the cap space to sign Thuney to his desired long-term deal, and he can help keep quarterback Carson Wentz upright in the pocket. As for the Patriots, they can finally lock down a successor to Rob Gronkowski in Goedert, who tallied 607 receiving yards and five touchdowns as Zach Ertz's backup last season. Plus, the Patriots can slash money off the books, something they desperately need to do.

It's a win-win trade for both parties, and they should at least consider it.