Could the Jordan Davis trade suggest Eagles are preparing for a new defensive coordinator?
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The general consensus is that Howie Roseman won yet another trade, this time managing to get a first and second round pick from the Jaguars for Jordan Davis . As the team racks up draft capital over the next
three years, another question is emerging from Davis being traded — could this move imply a new regime for the defense? Specifically, could the move indicate there’s potential for Jim Schwartz to return to Philly?
According to Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane, the team had privately reached out to Jim Schwartz earlier in the year when DC Vic Fangio was contemplating retirement. Moving on from Davis could indicate Fangio is once again considering walking away, and Schwartz’s scheme and personnel needs may already be impacting the Eagles’ roster-building decisions.
Even former Eagles legend Brandon Graham spoke about the possibility of Schwartz returning to Philly on the PHLY post-game show — right next to BGN’s Brandon Lee Gowton —, saying that they have the guys his former DC would be able to maximize.
BG on the possibility of Jim Schwartz returning to Philadelphia as DC next season if Vic Fangio retires: "I feel like we got Jim Schwartz type of personnel.. Who knows what Vic is going to do next year? I wouldn't be surprised if Schwartz is back." pic.twitter.com/i5ZKpQBQ60
— PHLY Eagles (@PHLY_Eagles) November 8, 2026
There hasn’t been anything to suggest that the Eagles would move on from Vic Fangio unless the legendary defensive coordinator decides to retire, but if he’s given the team any indication that’s his plan, they might be planning for a future with a familiar face.
Here are some other reactions from the surprising trade:
Few things to consider on Jordan Davis deal: *Jags pay for quality player and contract. Owe reasonable $18.9M-$26M-$26M from 27-29 w/ no signing bonus. *Eagles value Moro Ojomo, who had trade interest. Paying him long term with Jalen Carter and Davis on books difficult. Now,…
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 9, 2026
One thing I’ve often thought about Howie Roseman in 15 years covering him: He’s at his best when he’s building — when he’s unsentimental and creative. That’s what stood out in 2021/2022 offseasons; he creates optionality, operates with a long runway and taps into every…
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) November 9, 2026
Davis is a run stopping DT who has struggled with his weight got just a little less than Titans got for Simmons. Jags may win SB but this is one of the biggest overpayments we have seen. He barely plays on third down unless its shorts yardage.
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) November 9, 2026
This Jordan Davis trade is the best trade Howie Roseman has ever made
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) November 9, 2026
The Eagles made Jordan Davis the 8th-highest paid interior defender on an annual basis. He ranks 60th out of 198 interior defenders in pass rush snaps played this season. 39th out of 198 in total snaps played.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) November 9, 2026
Jordan Davis had 0.5 sacks, 3 TFL, and 2 QB hits over the Eagles' 13 games prior to Week 9.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) November 9, 2026
Jordan Davis had a breakout last season (contract year). Effort has been up-and-down this season. Jaguars' bet is that he can be elite in his role. 2025 Davis was Top-5 in run stop rate and run stop EPA. Get that version of Davis on this team and you're playing for a trophy. pic.twitter.com/DRAyz7v3tn
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) November 9, 2026
There's definitely a world where Jordan Davis is unlocked by the Jaguars, and he's the type of DT they need, however… They just traded a 1st and 2nd round pick for the 3rd best Eagles DT.
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) November 9, 2026
Howie Roseman got a 1st for a receiver who moped his way out of the organization, then got a 1 + 2 for their… maybe 5th most impactful defender? That’s not bad. They just gave Davis good money on his extension, too. If they’re willing to eat the contract, Howie likely not done. https://t.co/PnE3Lc8A0a
— Diante Lee (@DianteLeeFB) November 9, 2026
As a player, Jordan is just too expensive based on his production. No other way to shake it. Hasn’t had a great year, doesn’t play every down and it’s not the first season he’s been inconsistent. Also, Eagles likely operating as Vic won’t be back.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) November 9, 2026
A first, second, AND that contract?! No f’n way. https://t.co/lxbyOR0BxU
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 9, 2026
The only danger in the Jordan Davis trade I see for the Eagles is that he somehow in Jacksonville becomes the player the Eagles thought he could become. But he’s in his fifth NFL season now, so that doesn’t seem like a huge risk.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) November 9, 2026
I loved the Jordan Davis pick because the Eagles couldn’t get to 3rd down at an efficient rate and unleash their pure rushers. It was really effective when they could actually come within a yard of the QB at a consistent rate, but they aren’t that at this point so the trade makes…
— Honest NFL (@TheHonestNFL) November 9, 2026
Jordan Davis didn't meet massive pre-draft hype w/ Eagles, but there's no doubt he's a massive, freaky specimem at DT, & the Jaguars needed to beef up their interior DL. Huge, expensive swing for Jacksonville to get huge specimen inside who specializes vs. run. All-in type move.
— Chris Trapasso (@ChrisTrapasso) November 9, 2026
The trade itself is an absolute beauty. Receiving that haul, repositioning yourself to keep Ojomo while keeping Carter and collecting picks over the next three years is all amazing. A+ business for the Eagles. But, losing Jordan Davis hurts. A true leader and awesome person…
— Jake Rabadi (@JakeRabadi) November 9, 2026
Fangio is committed to playing light boxes so he can have a static, 2-high safety look pre-snap. The idea is that everything looks the same pre-snap, and then you can rotate post-snap. To live in that world, you are not going to be gapped out in the run game so you need someone… https://t.co/pf4KPMoYt5
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) November 9, 2026