National Football League

Eagles get RB Arrington from Broncos

Published Jul. 30, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded backup linebacker Joe Mays to the Denver Broncos in exchange for running J.J. Arrington or a 2012 conditional draft pick, a team source confirmed.

This means if Arrington doesn’t make the 53-man roster, the Eagles will get a 2012 pick back.

Mays was given a shot at the starting middle linebacker job with Philadelphia last season after starter Stewart Bradley suffered a season-ending knee injury. However, he quickly fell down the depth chart. In fact, things got so bad that veteran Jeremiah Trotter, who hadn’t played in almost two seasons, was signed and became the starter.

With Denver, Mays will get a chance to challenge for the fourth inside linebacker job for its 3-4 scheme. Linebacker Omar Gaither, who missed all of last season with a broken foot, will likely back up Bradley this season.

Arrington comes to Philadelphia after sitting out the 2009 season because of a knee issue. He’s known in scouting circles for his speed.

He figures to compete for time on third down and possibly a role as a change-of-pace back. Because new starting running back LeSean McCoy has not shown that he can handle a blocking role on third downs, Arrington could lessen that load for the second-year back.

Veteran Mike Bell is expected to be McCoy’s main backup this season.