One of the clear needs for the Philadelphia Eagles coming into the 2024 NFL offseason was to upgrade their defense. After having one of the most feared units in the league during the 2022 season, the Eagles’ production on that side of the ball fell off a cliff in 2023.
Philadelphia led the NFL in sacks in 2022 with 70, falling just short of the all-time record. They ranked eighth in points allowed and second in yardage. In 2023, they recorded only 43 sacks and ranked 30th in points allowed and 26th in yardage.
A less vaunted pass rush certainly didn’t help matters, but the Eagles were susceptible to getting beat through the air all season. As a result, general manager Howie Roseman made a concerted effort to upgrade his team’s secondary this offseason.
In free agency, the team brought back versatile safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and signed cornerback Tyler Hall away from the Las Vegas Raiders. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles used their first two selections on cornerbacks as well.
At No. 22, Philadelphia selected Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. In the second round, they made a trade with the Washington Commanders to acquire the No. 40 overall pick, doubling down on cornerbacks and selecting Cooper Dejean out of Iowa.
Given all of the additions in the secondary, there are going to be players on the chopping block later this offseason. Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team has speculated that veteran James Bradberry could be among the surprise cuts across the league once training camp rolls around.
“James Bradberry was a disappointment last season, and it’s fair to wonder what his role will be if Mitchell and/or DeJean prove they deserve to be on the field right away alongside Darius Slay.”
Bradberry was excellent for the Philadelphia Eagles in his first season with the team in 2022. He earned a spot on the All-Pro Second Team, which he parlayed into a three-year, $38 million contract as a free agent in the 2023 offseason.
Philadelphia is certainly having some buyer’s remorse as Bradberry was unable to get close to replicating his 2022 performance. He allowed a passer rating of 108.6 when being targeted and 12.3 yards per reception.
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