Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles’ pass defense was a glaring weakness, finishing among the lowest in the NFL. With an alarming 97.6 passer rating conceded and a staggering 35 passing touchdowns allowed, changes were inevitable. Heading into the 2023 season, the Eagles decided to tackle these defensive shortcomings head-on by overhauling their secondary.
Key Cornerbacks: Slay and Bradberry
Among the cornerbacks who shouldered heavy responsibilities last season were Darius Slay and James Bradberry. Darius Slay continues to be a cornerstone of the Eagles' secondary, holding onto his starting role. In contrast, James Bradberry, who allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating last year, finds his future with the Eagles uncertain. At 31 years old, Bradberry is midway through a three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023, raising questions about the best path forward for the team and the player alike.
The Eagles’ front office is exploring their options with Bradberry, weighing the benefits of a potential trade or a post-June 1 release. A cut after June 1 would translate into significant cap savings for the franchise. Another possibility involves shifting Bradberry to safety within Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme or having him compete for a starting cornerback spot opposite Slay.
The Rise of Young Talent
One of the most promising developments from the last season was the emergence of Kelee Ringo. In an impressive display during the final four regular-season games, Ringo played 198 of 199 defensive snaps, allowed a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage, and recorded an interception. This performance has solidified his position as a major talent to watch this season.
Another noteworthy performer has been Isaiah Rodgers, who shined during minicamp, effectively securing his place on the roster at cornerback. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ draft picks this year include Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both of whom bring versatility to the table. Mitchell and DeJean are capable of lining up inside, outside, and in dime packages, making them invaluable assets to the defense.
Competition Among the Rookies
An intriguing subplot for the upcoming season is the intense competition for starting roles among the Eagles' young cornerbacks. Quinyon Mitchell is a notable contender, with the potential to become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. Meanwhile, Cooper DeJean will face off against Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role.
Not to be overlooked, Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are vying for roster spots as well, with Jobe’s special teams expertise giving him an edge. The depth chart at cornerback is beginning to take shape, with Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers presumed locks for five of the six coveted slots. Tyler Hall, a March signee, is also in the mix, aiming for a special teams role and a chance to compete for the starting slot corner position.
A New Defensive Landscape
With these changes, the Eagles’ secondary for the 2023 season presents a blend of experienced veterans and hungry young talent. The team hopes this amalgamation will translate into a more robust pass defense, capable of correcting last season’s deficiencies. As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how these cornerbacks perform under the pressure of mounting expectations and fierce competition.
Only time will reveal whether this revamped secondary can live up to the hopes of fans and the ambitious plans laid out by the Eagles' coaching staff and front office. Regardless, the stage is set for an array of intriguing positional battles and a renewed focus on shoring up one of last season’s critical vulnerabilities.