In Philadelphia Mickey Loomis, the general manager of the New Orleans Saints, must be Howie Roseman’s speed dial number for the Eagles. The two get together during the league meetings every year for a quick conversation and idea-sharing session.
But this year has proven to be very different. The pipeline between the teams began in April before to the draft when the Eagles and Saints reached an agreement to exchange two of the first-round picks they had each obtained for a total of six picks, including first-round picks in 2023 and 2024.
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The two teams made another significant trade just hours before the deadline of 4 p.m. to reduce rosters to 53 players, with the Saints trading defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round pick and one of two 2024 sixth-round picks they currently hold.
Following the conclusion of their most recent trade, Roseman gave an explanation of how the two general managers have been successful in reaching trade agreements.
Mickey has been doing this for a very long time, and I suppose I have too, Roseman remarked. There’s just a level of comfort with honest conversations. We don’t dodge the subject. It sounds like “This is what I’m thinking” and comes to a conclusion.
The negotiations must also include a trust component, and a relationship must be developed over time. The two were recognized as Executive of the Year for their achievements in expanding their businesses. Respect comes along with such distinctions and experience.
It’s simple to predict if something will be accomplished or not, and Mickey has earned my utmost respect for what he has accomplished in this league, according to Roseman. He won’t joke around or say, “Hey, we’re not going to do something there,” if something isn’t going to get done.
Additionally crucial was the deal’s timing. There was a lot of focus on that procedure as teams throughout the league considered which players to remove in order to reach the required 53 players. Time becomes an issue when another team calls requesting a trade, according to Roseman, and wasting the final minutes before the deadline is not in everyone’s best interests. The two’s bond makes everything clearer and simpler.
I believe that makes it simpler, particularly now when you don’t want to waste a lot of time on stuff, said Roseman. “I am certain that he will act in the New Orleans Saints’ best interests. He always operates in that manner. We will, hopefully, act in the Philadelphia Eagles’ best interests.
There is still a potential that the teams will strike another agreement. There is still time before the Week 1 game against the Detroit Lions, but the 53-man rosters are not finalized. Could Roseman still engage in a player-for-player transaction? Perhaps. Roseman is aware that Loomis is only a phone call away, that much is certain.
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