The Philadelphia Eagles' revamp of their secondary is a significant storyline heading into the 2023 NFL season. Following a season in which their pass defense ranked among the league's lowest, conceding a 97.6 passer rating and 35 passing touchdowns, the Eagles have made substantial changes to their defensive backfield.
Cornerback Conundrum: Bradberry's Future
A key focal point of this overhaul is the situation surrounding veteran cornerback James Bradberry. Last season, Bradberry allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating, numbers that contributed to the Eagles' defensive struggles. Approaching 31 years of age, Bradberry has two years remaining on a three-year, $38 million contract he signed early in 2023. His future with the team remains uncertain, with the Eagles considering all options, including a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut that would offer cap savings.
The coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, may also experiment with Bradberry at the safety position. This move could tap into his experience in a new role or see him compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite stalwart Darius Slay.
New Faces, New Hopes
Turning to the potential future stars, Darius Slay remains a cornerstone of the secondary. His reliable performance continues to be a bright spot even as the team integrates fresh talent. Kelee Ringo, who shone in the last four regular-season games by playing almost every defensive snap and allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage, appears poised to secure a significant role. Ringo also notched an interception during this critical stretch, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Another promising name is Isaiah Rodgers, who had a particularly strong minicamp, putting himself in prime position for a roster spot at cornerback. The Eagles' recent draft picks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, also add intriguing layers to the secondary's makeup. Both players bring versatility, able to line up inside, outside, and in dime packages. Mitchell, in particular, is a strong contender to become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen achieved the feat in 1988.
Competition Breeds Excellence
As the preseason unfolds, competition within the secondary is expected to be fierce. Cooper DeJean is set to compete directly with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role. Meanwhile, Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, both fighting for roster spots, bring unique skills to the table. Jobe, noted for his special teams prowess, might leverage this expertise to carve out his niche.
Additionally, Tyler Hall, a recent signing, is vying not only for a special teams role but also a chance to start in the slot. He will have to overcome established figures and highly-touted rookies. The presumed locks for the six cornerback slots appear to be Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers, leaving a single position open to be fervently contested.
Season Outlook
The secondary's revamp is a critical component of the Eagles' overall defensive strategy for the upcoming season. With an array of young talents and seasoned veterans, the unit aims to transform from a glaring weakness into a potential strength. The coaching staff's willingness to explore various configurations and roles highlights the flexibility and open-mindedness needed to assemble a cohesive and formidable pass defense.
Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing the developments as training camp progresses and preseason games get underway. Will the mixture of rookies with upside and veterans with experience mesh to bolster the Eagles' defensive efforts? One thing is certain: the stakes are high, and every snap, every practice, and every game will be crucial in determining the final makeup of this highly scrutinized unit.