Coming off a season where their pass defense was among the worst in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles have undertaken significant changes to revamp their secondary. Allowing a 97.6 passer rating and conceding 35 passing touchdowns last season put the Eagles among the league’s worst, a situation that demanded urgent attention ahead of the 2023 season.
The Eagles have retained a core piece in Darius Slay, who continues to hold down one of the cornerback spots. However, they face crucial decisions regarding James Bradberry, who was part of the starting lineup last season but struggled, allowing nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating. Now at 31 years old, Bradberry has two years left on his three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023. The Eagles are contemplating all options with Bradberry, including the possibility of a trade or a post-June 1 cut, a move that would offer some cap savings.
Secondary Overhaul and Potential Reconfigurations
Tinkering with alignment within Vic Fangio's defensive scheme could be on the horizon for Bradberry. The team may trial him in the safety position or have him compete for starting duties opposite Slay. These decisions are driven by the necessity to fortify a once porous secondary. Meanwhile, Kelee Ringo, who showcased substantial potential by playing nearly every defensive snap in the final four regular-season games last year, is perhaps the most exciting prospect. Ringo allowed just a 40.8 passer rating in coverage and even snagged an interception, marking him as a reliable option moving forward.
Complementing this youth movement, Isaiah Rodgers has impressed during minicamp and is expected to solidify his spot on the roster. The Eagles’ recent investment in the draft also indicates a push for versatility and competition across the board. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean bring flexibility by lining up across multiple defensive positions, both inside and out, as well as in dime packages.
The Battle for Starting Roles
Quinyon Mitchell is emerging as a strong candidate to secure a starting spot, potentially making history as the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen back in 1988. On the other hand, Cooper DeJean will be locked in a competitive battle with Avonte Maddox for the vital slot cornerback role. These competitive dynamics are precisely what the Eagles need to elevate their pass defense.
Another pair of young corners, Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, are also battling for positions. Jobe, in particular, is noted for his expertise on special teams, which may give him a slight edge. Given the depth and potential within the squad, the likely locks for the six cornerback slots seem to include Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers.
Special Teams Contribution and Final Roster Spots
Adding yet another layer to the competitive secondary, Tyler Hall, who was signed in March, is making his case for both special teams roles and potential starting duties in the slot. Hall’s versatility and special teams capabilities make him a valuable asset in a crowded and competitive secondary unit.
The Eagles’ overhaul in the secondary, underscored by the addition of new talent and strategic decisions around existing players, reflects a committed approach to avoid the defensive pitfalls of last season. The mix of experienced veterans like Slay, and promising young talent like Mitchell and Ringo, speaks to a balanced strategy aimed at immediate improvement and long-term stability.
As the new season looms, how these pieces fit together will be paramount to the Eagles' pursuit of a sturdier pass defense. The front office and coaching staff's willingness to explore various configurations and player roles will be a storyline worth following as the revamped secondary unit seeks to redefine its identity and deliver more consistent performance on the field.