Tank Bigsby trade: NFL insider details why Eagles made deal with Jaguars

Mike Moraitis

Tank Bigsby trade: NFL insider details why Eagles made deal with Jaguars image

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The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly acquired running back Tank Bigsby in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars and an NFL insider has revealed why.

The trade, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, will see the Eagles send fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2026 to the Jaguars.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Eagles made the move partly because of their need for another kick returner.

Garafolo also noted how backup running back Will Shipley, who had a kick return in Week 1, suffered a rib injury that forced his early exit in the contest against the Dallas Cowboys.

"The Eagles’ trade for Tank Bigsby is in part due to a need for another kick returner, sources say. He’ll be in the mix for that role with Will Shipley, who had one return against the Cowboys, dealing with a rib injury," Garafolo reported.

Bigsby has handled 11 kickoff returns during his career, turning them into 314 yards, good enough for a kick return average of 28.5 yards per. In 2024, Bigsby averaged 32.5 yards per return on six attempts.

If Shipley is forced to miss time, Bigsby could also get some looks on offense behind Saquon Barkley. A.J. Dillon would also be in the mix for backup work.

Bigsby was the Jags' best running back last season. He led the team in carries (168), rushing yards (766) and rushing touchdowns (seven).

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.