The Philadelphia Eagles overhauled their secondary in anticipation of the 2023 NFL season, aiming to rectify a glaring weakness from the previous year. Last season, the Eagles' pass defense ranked among the worst in the league, giving up a 97.6 passer rating and 35 passing touchdowns. This off-season, Philadelphia made significant changes to bolster their defensive backfield and address these issues.
Retaining key players while integrating new talent has been central to the Eagles' defensive strategy. Veteran cornerback Darius Slay remains a cornerstone of the secondary, offering stability and experience. However, his counterpart from last season, James Bradberry, presents a conundrum. Despite Bradberry’s nine passing touchdowns allowed and an 87.9 passer rating given up, the 31-year-old still has two years left on the three-year, $38 million contract he signed in 2023.
Bradberry’s future with the Eagles is uncertain, with the club considering options such as a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut, which would yield significant cap savings. There’s speculation that the team might experiment with Bradberry at safety within Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme or have him compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Slay.
Rising Stars and Key Additions
One of the promising young players stepping up is Kelee Ringo, who made an impressive mark during the final stretch of the regular season last year. Ringo played nearly every defensive snap in the last four games, limiting opposing quarterbacks to a 40.8 passer rating in coverage and securing an interception. His strong performance positions him as a vital part of the secondary going forward.
Another notable performance came from Isaiah Rodgers, who had a standout minicamp and is anticipated to secure a roster spot at cornerback. Rodgers’ progress has added depth to the secondary, and his development will be closely watched during the preseason.
Fresh Faces from the Draft
The Eagles also invested in their future through the draft, selecting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to fortify their defensive backfield. Mitchell and DeJean bring versatility to the table, capable of lining up inside, outside, and in dime packages. Quinyon Mitchell is already making a case for a starting position, and if he secures it, he would become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. Meanwhile, DeJean will compete with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role, further strengthening the unit.
The competition doesn’t end there. Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are also battling for roster spots. Jobe’s expertise in special teams makes him a valuable asset, although the path to securing a cornerback slot is fiercely competitive. Tyler Hall, signed in March, is another name to watch. Hall is aiming for a dual role on special teams and as a potential starter in the slot.
The Bigger Picture
As of now, Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are considered locks for five of the six cornerback slots. The remaining position will be a battleground until the final roster cuts, ensuring that only the most capable will make the cut. This depth and competition signal a promising direction for the Eagles' pass defense.
The Eagles' secondary overhaul is more than a mere roster shuffling; it represents a strategic retooling designed to eliminate past vulnerabilities and forge a more resilient and adaptive defense. By blending experienced veterans with emerging young talents, Philadelphia is laying down a robust foundation to stymie opposing offenses and sustain a competitive edge through the rigorous NFL season ahead.
With these changes, the Eagles' defensive backfield is poised to transform from a liability into a potential strength, influenced by both strategic foresight and tactical flexibility. All eyes will be on Philadelphia to see if these adjustments will translate into improved performance on the field.