Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman met with reporters at the annual league meeting on Monday. Roseman offered his thoughts on Philadelphia’s offseason and the potential plans for the future.
While many expected Roseman to address Philadelphia’s secondary aggressively in free agency, that hasn’t necessarily been the case. Following the release of two former starters, the Eagles signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Tyler Hall.
Gardner-Johnson was a welcome addition, but many fans were expecting Philadelphia to make a bigger move at cornerback. Given the struggles of James Bradberry last season, it’s fair to question his future with the Eagles. Roseman stated that it’s still early in the offseason, therefore it’s worth taking a closer look at their potential options.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Current Starting Options in Their Secondary
As of now, Philadelphia’s secondary wouldn’t look much different than the unit that struggled to finish last season. Darius Slay and Bradberry are currently the projected starters at outside cornerback. Yet, Kelee Ringo could replace Bradberry if he is eventually moved this offseason while Reed Blankenship and Gardner-Johnson would start at safety.
Nickel cornerback is where things get interesting, as Gardner-Johnson has shown the ability to fill that void in the past. Therefore, Philadelphia could slide him into the slot and bring another safety in. Yet given Sydney Brown’s recovery from a torn ACL, Philadelphia doesn’t currently have a third safety on its roster that it can trust in that role.
This likely means Blankenship and Gardner-Johnson will remain at safety, while the Eagles bring in either Hall or Isaiah Rodgers to play nickel cornerback. Hall was signed this offseason and has experience playing in the slot. Rodgers has primarily played outside cornerback in the NFL but could make the move inside due to his size and athleticism.
Which Defensive Backs Could the Eagles Target in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Given the depth at defensive back in the 2024 NFL Draft, Roseman could elect to address Philadelphia’s secondary in April. According to multiple reports, the Eagles have already shown interest in several of the top defensive backs in this year’s draft.
Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean reportedly has a top-30 visit scheduled with the Eagles. While Philadelphia could be hosting DeJean for medical reasons, their recent history of drafting players hosted for top-30 visits is noteworthy. DeJean offers versatility, which could interest Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker was in attendance at Missouri’s pro day. This is notable given that Missouri has three defensive backs projected to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft; cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could very well be a target for Philadelphia with the 22nd overall pick.
Which Defensive Backs Could the Eagles Trade for This Offseason?
Roseman has shown that he isn’t afraid to make a trade if he thinks it will help Philadelphia’s secondary. In Aug. 2022, Philadelphia traded for Gardner-Johnson right before the start of the regular season. In Oct. 2023, the Eagles traded for Kevin Byard before the trade deadline.
While Roseman’s trades aren’t always successful, he is willing to make a move, if necessary. Given the potential trade of edge defender Haason Reddick, Roseman could get creative and acquire a defensive back to help Philadelphia’s secondary in a potential deal.
KEEP READING: Top CBs in 2024 NFL Draft | Top Safeties in 2024 NFL Draft
Given the Arizona Cardinals’ need for an elite pass rusher and the presence of Reddick’s former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon as their head coach, Roseman could potentially target safety Budda Baker in a trade. Baker has openly voiced his displeasure in Arizona during recent seasons and would likely welcome a change of scenery.
According to Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN, New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore is believed to be available in trade discussions. While New Orleans might not be interested in Reddick, Roseman could send a package of draft picks to the Saints for Lattimore. Although the 27-year-old has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, he would provide a massive upgrade over Bradberry on the outside.
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