Arrowhead Pride
A new war room video shows Philadelphia’s side of the first-round trade with Kansas City.
Before the Kansas City Chiefs made their marquee selection of the 2025 NFL Draft — taking Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons in the first round — general manager Brett Veach made a deal with Philadelphia Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman, giving up Kansas City’s 31st pick in exchange for Philadelphia’s 32nd selection and the 164th pick from the fifth round.
Later that night, we heard Veach’s side of the story. Now, however, we have more insight about the trade from a behind-the-scenes video taken inside the Eagles’ war room.
It confirms that as early as the 22nd pick, Roseman was trying to trade up to acquire Philadelphia’s first-round target: Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, whom Arrowhead Pride’s consensus draft prospect rankings had identified as the draft’s top linebacker and 19th overall player.
In the video, we see Roseman talking with Los Angeles Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, who wants (at least) the 32nd and 64th picks in exchange for No. 22.
“You’re not going into a trade hoping that you just beat someone on the trade,” says Roseman in a narration as he and Philadelphia CEO Jeffrey Lurie discuss making the deal with Los Angeles. “You’re trying to get value, and to do things that are right for your team and your organization — and hopefully, the other team is feeling the same way. It’s got to be [a fit]. It’s got to be fits for both sides.”
Philadelphia moves on. Roseman calls Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekust, who holds the 23rd selection. Roseman reports to Lurie that the Eagles’ offer (which isn’t disclosed in the video) is “too light” to suit Green Bay.
The Houston Texans’ Nick Caserio tells Roseman there’s “something better” on the table for the 25th pick — which eventually turns out to be the 34th and 99th picks (and a third-rounder in 2026) from the New York Giants.
Going after the 27th selection, Roseman doesn’t even get as far as making an offer to the Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta.
Then, another team puts him on hold, forcing him to listen to computer-generated on-hold music while the clock is ticking. He puts the call on the speakerphone. After taking it in for a moment, Eagles head coach Nick Siriani laughs.
“It’s maddening,” he says.
Then another unidentified team says they have a better offer for their pick.
“Nobody wants to trade down,” notes Lurie.
“Everyone’s saying they are trading down,” replies Roseman, “but nobody is trading down. I don’t know what to tell you, Jeffrey. I’m trying. I’m trying. I’m trying. And I’m trying.”
The Philadelphia staff learns that the Atlanta Falcons have gave up the 46th and 242nd pick (plus their 2026 first-rounder) to get the 26th and 101st selections from the Los Angeles Rams. Roseman takes it in stride.
“I understand why people aren’t taking our deals,” he marvels.
Then he reaches out to...
