Eagles want at least a fifth-round pick for Mychal Kendricks

The Eagles have been trying to trade Mychal Kendricks this offseason, but what exactly are they asking for in return for the 26-year-old linebacker?

NFL sources said the Eagles want at least a fifth-round draft pick for Kendricks. But that has been a tough sell because interested teams assume they can just as easily get him for nothing once he's released.

A large chunk of Kendricks' salary for 2017 - $4.35 million - will be fully guaranteed by Friday at 4 p.m. Many expect the Eagles to trade or cut him by that deadline. But there's always the chance that Eagles executive Howie Roseman will keep Kendricks beyond the deadline and try to trade him before the draft.

The draft isn't deep at the linebacker position. Kendricks is still young, and there's no denying his physical gifts. He does have a dubious injury past and wasn't a full-time player on defense last season. But Kendricks has a skill set -- particularly as a downhill tackler and pass-rush specialist - that could attract teams.

But what if Roseman wasn't to get ample compensation before the draft? Would he hold onto a player who is projected to play behind full-timers Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham while still costing the Eagles a hefty $6.6 million against the salary cap?

The Eagles would have to eat $4.8 million in dead money if they trade or release Kendricks, but they do save $1.8 million. Either way, it's difficult to see him on the 53-man roster this coming season.

A trade can't become official until Thursday at 4 p.m.