The Philadelphia Eagles have embarked on a significant defensive overhaul ahead of the 2023 NFL season, aiming to address the woes that plagued their pass defense last year. The defensive unit faced considerable challenges, finishing near the bottom of the league with a 97.6 opponent passer rating and surrendering 35 passing touchdowns.
To remedy these issues, the Eagles have made substantial changes to their secondary. One of the few constants is star cornerback Darius Slay, who remains a key figure in Philadelphia's defensive plans. However, his counterpart from last season, James Bradberry, is under scrutiny following an underwhelming performance characterized by nine allowed passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating against him.
As Bradberry enters his 31st year, the Eagles are contemplating various options regarding his future with the team. Bradberry is currently under a three-year, $38 million contract set to conclude in 2025, but Philadelphia is considering a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut, which would result in significant cap savings. Meanwhile, the coaching staff is exploring the possibility of shifting Bradberry to safety in Vic Fangio's defense or having him compete for the starting cornerback role alongside Slay.
Emerging Talents in the Eagles' Secondary
One player who has captured attention is Kelee Ringo, who demonstrated exceptional prowess during the final four regular-season games last year. Ringo's impact was immediate, playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps and allowing an impressive 40.8 passer rating in coverage, alongside one interception. His performance has positioned him as a strong candidate for a key role in the revamped secondary.
Another promising competitor in the cornerback battle is Isaiah Rodgers. After a strong showing in minicamp, Rodgers is expected to secure a spot on the roster. The recent draft additions, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, bring versatility to the unit, with both players having demonstrated their ability to line up at multiple positions, including inside, outside, and in dime packages. Mitchell, in particular, is a standout candidate for a starting position and could become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988.
DeJean's Competition for Slot Role
Cooper DeJean is set to compete with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback position. This competition is one to watch, as DeJean's adaptability and skill set make him a formidable contender. The Eagles' depth at cornerback is further bolstered by players like Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, who are both battling for roster spots. Jobe, in particular, is noted for his special teams expertise and could carve out a niche within that unit.
Diversifying the Defense
Darius Slay remains a cornerstone of the Eagles' secondary, and alongside talent like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers, Philadelphia aims to solidify its defensive backfield. Tyler Hall, a March signee, is also in the mix, vying for both a special teams role and a shot at the slot cornerback position.
This comprehensive rebuild of the secondary indicates the Eagles’ commitment to addressing last season's shortcomings. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, Philadelphia hopes to convert last year's defensive liabilities into this year's strengths. As the offseason progresses and training camps get underway, all eyes will be on how these new and returning faces gel under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system.
With the start of the 2023 season approaching, the Eagles' restructured secondary could very well dictate the success of their defensive turnaround.