C.J. Spiller trade rumors: Philadelphia Eagles made an inquiry

As the Buffalo Bills have pursued, signed and wined and dined running backs this offseason, many fans have speculated that their interest could be the precursor to a trade of C.J. Spiller. If one report is accurate, however, the Bills have already stiff-armed one team interested in trading for Spiller this spring.

Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com reports that the Philadelphia Eagles called the Bills about Spiller's availability in late February or early March.

"The Bills weren’t interested in moving Spiller, both sources said, and talks never heightened into an offer," writes Mosher. The Eagles shifted their attention from Spiller to Darren Sproles, trading a fifth-round pick to New Orleans on March 13.

Spiller, who will turn 27 in August, is entering the fifth year of a six-year rookie deal signed in 2010. He can opt out of that final year, however, and make himself a free agent next spring, which is part of the reason that the trade idea is floated so often by fans. Spiller struggled through a high ankle sprain and a scheme shift in 2013, rushing for 933 yards and two touchdowns at 4.6 yards per carry while playing roughly one-third of the team's snaps on offense.

Buffalo signed free agent Anthony Dixon in March, and were reportedly among the teams that discussed a trade for former Tennessee starter Chris Johnson (though there are conflicting reports on that front). The team has also hosted four running backs on pre-draft visits, including Ohio State star Carlos Hyde. Aside from Spiller's contract, the Bills must also have a long-term plan in place for when 33-year-old Fred Jackson (also entering the final year of his deal) calls it a career.