The Philadelphia Eagles face a pivotal moment as they look to revamp their defensive secondary ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Last year, the Eagles' pass defense ranked near the bottom of the league, with opponents achieving a 97.6 passer rating and scoring 35 passing touchdowns against them. This underperformance has prompted significant changes, both in personnel and strategy, to bolster their backfield.
One of the most notable issues was the performance of cornerback James Bradberry. Despite being a key player, Bradberry allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating. At 31 years old, Bradberry has two years left on his three-year, $38 million contract signed earlier in 2023. His future with the team, however, remains uncertain as the Eagles are considering various options. These include a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut, which would result in cap savings. Alternatively, the team may try out Bradberry at safety in Vic Fangio's defense, or he may compete to reclaim his starting cornerback position next to Darius Slay.
Slay remains a crucial element of the Eagles' secondary, continuing his role as a primary cornerback. However, the team has also welcomed fresh talent to the mix. Among the new additions, Kelee Ringo stands out, having played 198 out of 199 defensive snaps during the last four regular-season games last year. Ringo made a significant impression by allowing only a 40.8 passer rating in coverage and recording an interception during that period. His standout performance suggests he will play a vital role in the revamped secondary.
The Eagles' depth chart sees further competition from Isaiah Rodgers, who had an impressive minicamp and is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback. Adding to the mix are recent draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both known for their versatility in lining up inside, outside, and in dime packages. Mitchell, in particular, is a strong contender for a starting position. He could become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. Meanwhile, DeJean will be competing with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role.
In addition to these young prospects, the battle for roster spots continues with Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, the latter being noted for his special teams expertise. The presumed locks for five of the six cornerback slots are Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers. Tyler Hall, signed in March, is also vying for a special teams role and a chance to start in the slot.
The Eagles have clearly made a concerted effort to address the vulnerabilities that plagued their secondary last season. The infusion of fresh talent and strategic positioning are aimed at transforming a previously leaky pass defense into a more formidable unit. With a mix of seasoned veterans like Slay and promising newcomers such as Ringo, Mitchell, and DeJean, the Eagles hope to establish a stout defensive backfield capable of stifling opposing offenses.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes coalesce on the field. The performance of the revamped secondary could very well be a determining factor in the Eagles' success this season. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly monitoring whether the team's strategic overhaul and infusion of young talent translate into a marked improvement in their pass defense.