Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles' pass defense struggled immensely, ranking among the lowest in the NFL. The team allowed a 97.6 passer rating and conceded 35 passing touchdowns, a clear weakness that opponents exploited. Recognizing the necessity for a dramatic improvement, the Eagles have significantly overhauled their secondary for the 2023 season.
One mainstay in the defensive backfield is Darius Slay, who continues to serve as a key cornerback. Last season, he worked alongside James Bradberry; however, Bradberry’s performance was less consistent. The 31-year-old cornerback allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating. Despite his struggles, Bradberry remains under contract with the Eagles, having signed a three-year, $38 million deal in 2023, with two years left on the agreement.
Yet, Bradberry’s future with the Eagles is uncertain. The team is exploring several options regarding his role, including a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut, which would provide cap savings. Another possibility is experimenting with Bradberry at the safety position within Vic Fangio's defensive scheme or having him compete for the starting cornerback spot across from Slay.
As the Eagles navigate Bradberry’s potential roles, they are also relying on younger, emerging talents. Kelee Ringo is one such player who made a significant impact during the final four regular-season games last season. Playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps, Ringo showcased his prowess by allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and recording an interception. His performance has made him a crucial figure in the secondary going forward.
Isaiah Rodgers also made waves during a strong minicamp, earning expectations that he will secure a roster spot at cornerback. The Eagles continued to reinforce their secondary by adding depth through the draft, selecting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both known for their versatility. These rookies have shown their ability to line up inside, outside, and in dime packages, providing the team with valuable flexibility.
Mitchell, specifically, stands out as a strong contender for a starting position. If he succeeds, he could become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to secure a starting role before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. DeJean, on the other hand, will be competing with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role. This internal competition is expected to elevate the performance of the entire secondary unit.
The depth of the cornerback roster is underscored by the presence of Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, both battling for positions. While Jobe’s expertise on special teams gives him an edge, the overall depth chart appears robust. Currently, Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are presumed locks for five of the six cornerback slots.
Additionally, Tyler Hall, signed in March, is also competing for a special teams role and a chance to start in the slot. With the influx of new talent and the potential positional shifts, the Eagles' secondary is poised for a transformative season.
As the Eagles look to rectify the glaring deficiencies from the previous season, the reinforcement of their secondary through experienced mainstays, promising young talent, and strategic flexibility could be pivotal. The team’s defensive strategy will undoubtedly be a significant storyline as they enter the new season, aiming to convert last season’s weak pass defense into a formidable force.