The Eagles made the decision to allow both of their Super Bowl LVII safety starters to leave in free agency last year, which led to challenges for their defense as it struggled down the stretch. Now, a year later, Philadelphia’s secondary appears to be much stronger.
One reason for this improvement in the Eagles’ defensive back group is a roster move they made last summer. As other teams were finalizing their cuts to reach the 53-man roster limit in late August, the Eagles quietly added Isaiah Rodgers, a young kick returner who had been a starting cornerback for the Colts in 2022. Despite being sidelined for the entire previous season due to a gambling ban, Rodgers is now in a better position to make an impact.
Despite missing the previous season, Rodgers has emerged as a key player during the offseason and has received significant first-team reps during minicamp. The Eagles have strengthened their cornerback group with younger talents like Rodgers, along with established players such as Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
In 2022, Rodgers started nine games for the Colts and impressed in his limited action. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the fifth-best cornerback in the league that year. With the Eagles drafting players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, their cornerback group looks to have promising depth for the future.
The Eagles have also started cross-training Bradberry at safety, indicating a potential position change for the veteran player. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the secondary options include a mix of experienced players and younger talents who will be vying for starting roles.
Training camp will be crucial for players like Bradberry and Rodgers as the Eagles look to improve their defense and bounce back from their disappointing performance last season. The combination of veterans and up-and-coming talent in the secondary gives the team more options and flexibility heading into the new season.
As the Eagles aim to solidify their defense and return to their winning ways, the development of young players like Rodgers will be key. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Eagles are looking to build a strong secondary unit that can help lead them back to playoff contention in the near future.