Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean Returns, Quez Watkins Put on IR; Trade Next?

Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman will likely explore deals for either a safety or receiver, or both, with receiver Quez Watkins and safety Justin Evans landing on IR, but linebacker Nakobe Dean returns after missing four games.

PHILADELPHIA – Nakobe Dean is back on the roster after the Philadelphia Eagles activated the second-year linebacker from injured reserve on Saturday, just 24 hours before their kickoff against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday (4:25 p.m./FOX).

That may not be too big of a surprise since head coach Nick Sirianni alluded to Dean probably being ready to go in his final press conference before the team’s Week 6 game.

Dean even talked earlier in the week about how good the foot that landed him on injured reserve in the first place felt.

The Eagles put receiver Quez Watkins on injured reserve to make room on the roster. That may not be much of a surprise either, since Watkins has struggled with a hamstring injury that will cost him his third game.

He returned last week but made a big mistake not picking up a first down on a well-blocked play, instead running out of bounds.

The team also elevated receiver Devon Allen and cornerback Mekhi Garner, an undrafted free agent who could debut against the Jets.

Philly chose not to elevate safety Tristin McCollum, which could be a good sign that rookie safety Sydney Brown may return to the lineup after a two-game absence with a hamstring injury. Brown is listed as questionable.

Earlier in the week, the Eagles put safety Justin Evans on IR and added slot corner in Bradley Roby to the roster to take his spot.

With Evans gone and now Watkins for at least the next four weeks, general manager Howie Roseman needs to go shopping for replacements at safety and receiver.

Both players will be out until at least Week 10 when the Eagles visit the Kansas City Chiefs for a Monday night game.

In addition to missing Sunday’s game in New York, Evans and Watkins will also be out for important games against the Miami Dolphins, the rematch game against the Washington Commanders, and then another NFC East battle, this one against the Dallas Cowboys.

Watkins has been a non-factor since the season began, and now he is out until at least Week 10 when the Eagles visit the Kansas City Chiefs for a Monday night game.

It's fair to wonder if he has played his final game with the Eagles. With his rookie contract expiring at the end of the season, this had to be a big year for him if he wanted to stick around. He may not make it to the end of the year, now.

Roseman has until the trade deadline of Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. to make something happen, and obviously, the sooner the better.

Look no further than Carolina, where the Panthers are having a fire sale sitting at 0-5 with little hope in sight.

The Panthers could look to deal receiver Terrace Marshall and Jeremy Chinn, who has plenty of position versatility, capable of playing safety, slot corner, and hybrid linebacker.

The Eagles liked both players when they entered the draft – Marshall in 2021, and Chinn in 2020.

Others Roseman could check in on include a pair of Denver Broncos, receiver Jerry Jeudy, and defensive back Justin Simmons.

There are others, for sure, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Roseman swings a deal or two before long.