Philadelphia Eagles Rebuild Secondary Ahead of 2023 Season
The Philadelphia Eagles are aiming for a significant turnaround in their pass defense after a lackluster performance last season. Ranked among the lowest in the NFL, the Eagles allowed opposing quarterbacks to achieve a passer rating of 97.6 and conceded a staggering 35 passing touchdowns. Recognizing the need for substantial changes, the team has overhauled its secondary in preparation for the 2023 season.
Darius Slay remains a cornerstone for the Eagles at cornerback. Slay, one of the key contributors from last season, continues to anchor the position with his experience and skill. However, the scrutiny is now on James Bradberry, who also played a prominent role last year. While Bradberry allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating, his future with the team hangs in the balance.
At 31, Bradberry still has two years left on his three-year, $38 million contract, signed in 2023. The Eagles are currently exploring several options regarding his contract, including a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut. Cutting Bradberry after June 1 would result in cap savings for the team, a consideration that could impact the decision-making process.
There are also possibilities that the Eagles might repurpose Bradberry within Vic Fangio's defensive scheme. Potential roles could include experimenting with him at the safety position or having him compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay. The versatility in his potential roles will likely be a vital factor as the team strategizes for the upcoming season.
One player who distinguished himself towards the end of last season is Kelee Ringo. Playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps during the final four regular-season games, Ringo allowed a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and recorded an interception, showcasing his burgeoning talent. Expectations are high that Ringo will continue his upward trajectory and become a key player in the Eagles' revamped secondary.
Another player worth noting is Isaiah Rodgers, who had a notably strong minicamp. Rodgers is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback, adding depth and promise to the defensive lineup. The Eagles' recent draft picks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, further underscore the team's commitment to improving their secondary with young talent.
Mitchell and DeJean stand out for their versatility, capable of lining up both inside and outside, as well as in dime packages. Mitchell, in particular, is a strong contender for a starting position and could achieve a rare feat by becoming the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. DeJean will be competing with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role, adding another layer of internal competition.
Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are also battling for positions within the secondary. Jobe, known for his special teams expertise, provides additional value beyond his cornerback capabilities. The presumed locks for five of the six cornerback slots are Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers, leaving limited spots for Ricks and Jobe to secure their places in the roster.
Adding to the competitive mix is Tyler Hall, signed in March, who is vying for a special teams role and a chance to start in the slot. Hall’s flexibility and special teams potential make him a compelling candidate for one of the remaining roster spots.
The comprehensive revamping of the Eagles' secondary reflects a strategic shift towards bolstering the team’s pass defense. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, Philadelphia is clearly focused on reversing last season's defensive setbacks. The blend of experience, youthful potential, and strategic experimentation within Vic Fangio's defense sets up an intriguing and potentially transformative season for the Eagles.