Eagles Land Jakorian Bennett in Trade With Raiders

In a move that has stirred the NFL landscape, the Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their secondary by acquiring cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Las Vegas Raiders. In return, the Eagles have sent defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV to the Raiders in a player-for-player swap that reflects both teams’ evolving roster needs as they navigate a highly competitive 2025 training camp.

This strategic trade marks another calculated move by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who continues to fine-tune Philadelphia's defense with a focus on youth, speed, and upside. For the Raiders, this trade is equally significant — plugging a defensive interior hole with a high-upside lineman in Booker, while handing over a young cornerback who showed flashes of potential.

Let’s dive deeper into the trade’s background, player profiles, strategic implications, and what this deal signals for both franchises heading into the 2025 NFL season.

The Trade Breakdown: A Straight-Up Player Swap

This wasn’t a blockbuster trade by size, but it may become one in significance. On August 4, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders agreed to trade Jakorian Bennett for Thomas Booker IV, with no draft picks or cash considerations involved. It’s a clean, one-for-one swap — rare in today’s NFL — but a mutually beneficial one.

The Eagles made the move to address their cornerback depth amid training camp competition, while the Raiders acted quickly to shore up their defensive interior after injuries and inconsistencies on the line.

According to league sources:

·        The Raiders initiated the deal after evaluating their need at defensive tackle.

·        The Eagles saw an opportunity to land a talented, fast, and hungry cornerback in Bennett, who fits their defensive scheme.

·        Both teams avoided waiting until cut-down day, opting instead for a proactive swap that gives each player a real shot to contribute on their new team.

The implications go beyond just filling roster spots — this trade is about developing youth and finding value in rising talent.

Who is Jakorian Bennett? Eagles’ Newest Secondary Addition

Jakorian Bennett, 24, was a 2023 fourth-round pick (No. 104 overall) by the Raiders out of Maryland. Known for his elite speed (4.30-second 40-yard dash) and man coverage ability, Bennett came into the league as one of the most athletic cornerbacks in his class.

During his rookie year:

·        Bennett played in 14 games with 4 starts.

·        He recorded 27 total tackles, 3 pass deflections, and saw significant snaps in both base and nickel packages.

·        His performance was uneven, with flashes of potential overshadowed by occasional coverage breakdowns — not uncommon for rookie corners.

However, NFL scouts still see Bennett as a raw but explosive athlete who could thrive in a better-structured defensive system.

In Philadelphia, Bennett will join a cornerback group headlined by Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Kelee Ringo. But with Bradberry potentially on the trade block or moving to safety, Bennett’s path to playing time is far from blocked.

Why the Eagles like Bennett:

·        Speed and agility make him ideal for press coverage and zone schemes.

·        Special teams experience adds depth and versatility.

·        Youth and upside give him developmental value behind veterans.

Why the Raiders Traded Bennett: Roster Fit Over Raw Talent

Despite Bennett’s athletic upside, the Raiders opted to move on. The primary reason? Depth chart crowding and defensive scheme changes under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

The Raiders have a reshuffled cornerback room in 2025:

·        Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs are the projected starters.

·        Rookies and free agents brought in during the offseason further reduced Bennett’s chances.

·        The team wanted more interior defensive help, especially with Bilal Nichols nursing an injury.

In Thomas Booker IV, Las Vegas gets a former fifth-round pick by the Texans (2022) who was recently claimed off waivers by the Eagles. Booker has flashed in limited snaps and is considered a high-IQ player with strong gap integrity.

Why the Raiders like Booker:

·        Fits their need for rotational interior pressure.

·        Has a high motor and is known for smart, disciplined play.

·        Can contribute immediately while the Raiders manage injury issues on the line.

A Look at Thomas Booker IV: Raiders’ New Rotational DT

Thomas Booker IV, a product of Stanford, is a technically sound defensive tackle who made waves during his pre-draft process with intelligence, versatility, and leadership.

At 6-foot-4 and 301 pounds:

·        Booker offers a solid anchor in the middle, with above-average leverage and pad level.

·        While not a prolific pass rusher, his ability to occupy blockers and set the edge in the run game is valuable.

·        He recorded 15 tackles and 1 sack in 12 games in 2023 with the Texans before bouncing to the Eagles in 2024.

Though he didn’t see much action with the Eagles, training camp buzz suggests Booker was pushing for a roster spot thanks to his technique and work ethic.

Now in Las Vegas, he has a clearer path to the 53-man roster and could play a critical depth role in the Raiders’ defensive front.

Eagles' Secondary Shake-Up: What This Trade Means

This move may appear minor on the surface, but it could ripple through the Eagles’ defensive plans. With injuries and aging starters in the secondary, Bennett provides Philadelphia with:

·        Youthful energy in a veteran-heavy cornerback room.

·        A possible special teams contributor from Day 1.

·        Long-term upside as a starter if development continues under DC Vic Fangio.

Training camp competition has been fierce. The Eagles have been experimenting with different combinations in the secondary, and Bennett’s arrival turns up the heat:

Cornerback Room Outlook:

·        Darius Slay – Veteran presence, still reliable

·        James Bradberry – Aging, possible position switch or trade

·        Kelee Ringo – Developmental CB with upside

·        Eli Ricks / Zech McPhearson – Competing for nickel/dime roles

·        Jakorian Bennett – Athletic, versatile, upside pick-up

This trade signals that the Eagles are preparing for transitions in their secondary — and fast-tracking talent evaluations during camp.

NFL Player-for-Player Trades: A Rarity With High Upside

In today's NFL, trades involving one-for-one player swaps — especially without picks — are rare. That makes this deal noteworthy and potentially valuable.

Here’s why more teams may follow suit:

·        It offers real-time roster optimization during camp.

·        Gives young players new opportunities without the stigma of being cut.

·        Improves morale, showing players they’re still valued elsewhere.

Benefits of Player-for-Player Trades:

·        Immediate help for both teams

·        Avoids waiver wire uncertainty

·        Keeps costs low (no draft capital lost)

·        Boosts competition across the board

If Bennett flourishes in Philly and Booker thrives in Vegas, this deal could go down as a win-win, driven by smart front-office work on both sides.

What’s Next for Jakorian Bennett and Thomas Booker?

Both players will now report to their new training camps with less than a month until preseason games kick off. Expectations are simple but important:

·        Bennett: Prove he belongs in the cornerback rotation. Learn the playbook fast. Stand out on special teams.

·        Booker: Earn immediate snaps as a rotational DT. Be a consistent presence in the run defense.

Preseason will be crucial for both — and perhaps, this trade will be remembered not just for who got dealt, but who seized their second chance.

Conclusion

The Eagles’ acquisition of Jakorian Bennett from the Raiders in exchange for Thomas Booker IV is a classic example of two teams making a smart, timely move. It’s not flashy, but it’s focused — and potentially impactful.

Philadelphia adds much-needed athleticism and depth to its secondary, while Las Vegas plugs a growing hole in the interior defensive line.

If both young players continue to develop, this August trade may become one of the season’s early success stories — a testament to the value of bold, balanced roster moves before the lights come on.