The Philadelphia Eagles have undergone significant changes to their secondary in anticipation of the 2023 NFL season. The team's pass defense was a glaring weakness last year, ranking among the NFL's worst. The Eagles allowed 97.6 passer rating and conceded an alarming 35 passing touchdowns, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul.
Retaining Cornerstone Talent
Among the key figures in last season's secondary, Darius Slay remains a vital part of the defense. Slay's experience and reliability are crucial as the Eagles reconfigure their defensive backfield. In contrast, James Bradberry, who had a mixed season, allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating. At 31, Bradberry is facing both competition and the possibility of role changes or even an exit. With two years left on his three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023, the Eagles are exploring their options, including a trade or a post-June 1 cut that would offer cap savings.
Bradberry's future might also involve a positional shift within Vic Fangio's defense, potentially moving him to safety or having him compete at starting cornerback opposite Slay. Such versatility could extend his productivity and value to the team, but it remains uncertain how this will play out during the training camp and preseason.
Emerging Talent and New Faces
Kelee Ringo, a standout in the latter part of last season, played 198 out of 199 defensive snaps over the final four regular-season games. Impressively, he allowed a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and recorded an interception. This performance has made him a presumptive lock for one of the six cornerback slots on the roster.
Another bright spot is Isaiah Rodgers, who impressed during minicamp and is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback. Rodgers' emergence injects fresh talent and competition into the secondary, raising expectations for the 2023 campaign.
Rookies and Versatile Defenders
The Eagles' recent draft picks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, also bring much-needed versatility. Both players have shown they can line up inside, outside, and in dime packages, providing defensive coordinator flexibility in scheme deployment. Mitchell is a strong contender for a starting position, with a real possibility of becoming 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, adding depth and competition to the secondary. Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are also in the mix, with Jobe noted for his special teams expertise, which might give him an edge in securing a roster spot.
Finalizing the Cornerback Corps
Assuming no dramatic changes, Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are seen as locks for five of the six cornerback slots. This leaves a fierce battle for the remaining position. Tyler Hall, who was signed in March, is vying not only for a special teams role but also for a chance to start in the slot, adding another layer of competition to the preseason evaluations.
These changes reflect the Eagles' commitment to addressing their defensive vulnerabilities from last season. With a blend of seasoned veterans, promising young talents, and versatile rookies, the secondary is positioned for significant improvement. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching these developments as the team prepares for the upcoming season, hopeful that the revamped secondary will elevate the Eagles' defense to new heights.