Tank Bigsby Officially Joins the Philadelphia Eagles: Strengthens the Back Line and Kick Returner

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The Philadelphia Eagles made a significant splash at the start of the 2025 season by acquiring Tank Bigsby, a talented young running back, from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The trade, announced on Monday, September 8, 2025, marks a new chapter for Bigsby in the NFL.

Bigsby, known for his power running and ability as a returner, is projected to be a crucial backup to star tight end Saquon Barkley.

The trade also reflects a shift in priorities for the Jaguars, who now have Bhayshul Tuten as a new prospect at the same position.

At 24 years old, Tank Bigsby brings two full seasons of NFL experience, including impressive stats in the 2024 season.

This acquisition is not only about adding strength to the offensive line, but also about leveraging the new kick return rules to the Eagles' advantage.

Eagles trading for RB Tank Bigsby. Jaguars receive 5th & 6th round picks. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/7G9sirnfw9

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2025

The trade involving Tank Bigsby officially took place on September 8, 2025.

The Philadelphia Eagles secured the services of the running back from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In exchange, the Eagles sent two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Jaguars: a fifth- and sixth-round pick.

Interestingly, the fifth-round pick had the potential to rise to a fourth-round pick, conditional on linebacker Bryce Huff recording eight or more sacks during the 2025 season.

The trade was also notable given Bigsby's relatively young player with untapped potential.

After Saquon Barkley, the Eagles needed a solid backup, especially after Will Shipley suffered a rib injury in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Furthermore, Bigsby's ability as a kick returner was a major draw for the Eagles. With the new kick return rule coming into effect in 2025, this role becomes even more crucial.

Despite Shipley's injury, several reports indicate that the Eagles' interest in Bigsby as a returner predates the incident, suggesting this acquisition is part of a long-term strategy.

Jacksonville Jaguars' decision to release Tank Bigsby based on the presence of Bhayshul Tuten, a running back drafted in the fourth round out of Virginia Tech.

Also, Bigsby's performance in the 2025 season opener may have also influenced this decision.

He only recorded five carries for 12 yards against the Carolina Panthers, while Travis Etienne Jr. dominated with 19 touches for 156 yards.

A change in leadership at the Jaguars, with new head coach Liam Coen and new management, is also expected to trigger a restructuring of the team.

The trade of Tank Bigsby could be the first step in a series of planned changes to shape the squad according to the new management's vision.

Cartavious "Tank Bigsby" Bigsby was born on August 30, 2001, in LaGrange, Georgia, United States.

At 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg), he possesses the ideal physique for a running back.

Bigsby attended Auburn University, playing for the Auburn Tigers from 2020 to 2022.

Throughout his college career, Bigsby displayed outstanding performance.

In 2020, he was named SEC Newcomer/Freshman of the Year with an average of 6.0 yards per carry and 834 total yards.

He continued his impressive performance in 2021 with 1,099 yards and ten touchdowns, and 970 yards and ten touchdowns in 2022.

Bigsby was then selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round, 88th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft.

During his two-and-a-half seasons with the Jaguars (2023-2025), he totaled 910 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

In the 2024 season, he appeared in 16 games, recording 168 carries for 766 yards and seven touchdowns, and 195 yards on six kick returns.