Key Points:
– Philadelphia Eagles made significant moves in the NFL Draft, picking Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell and Iowa’s Cooper DeJean in a bid to strengthen their secondary.
– Cornerback James Bradberry’s position could be threatened following a disappointing performance last season.
– The release of Bradberry could impact the Eagles’ salary cap heavily.
– Howie Roseman, the team’s General Manager, stressed the importance of rewarding homegrown talents with contract extensions.
The 2024 NFL Draft witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles making strategic moves for their future, particularly in the cornerback position. Their decision to draft Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell in the first round, followed by gaining Iowa’s Cooper DeJean via a trade in the second, placed two of the draft’s standout cornerbacks on the team’s roster.
Chosen Strategy: Amplifying Secondary
The drive to bolster their secondary was quite apparent with the Eagles’ draft decisions. This aggressive strategy was likely triggered by the struggles of cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay in the backdrop of a disappointing 2023 season. The team, unfortunately, lost five of the last six games running up to the regular season’s climax, before being defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card round.
“The Philadelphia Eagles have clearly expressed in the draft that they needed to upgrade their secondary,” mentioned NFL insider Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. “There is a question mark looming over James Bradberry’s role if Mitchell and DeJean prove their worth for a spot on the field right beside Darius Slay.”
Struggles and Financial Impact of James Bradberry
Bradberry, once a bright spot on the team while being named a Second-Team All-Pro selection during the impressive 2022 campaign, underwent a significant decline in performance in 2023. A concern is that his underperformance might have been the catalyst for Eagles’ draft decisions.
Bradberry, who signed a three-year contract worth $38 million in 2022, was a frequent target of opposing quarterbacks last season. They amassed a staggering 108.6 passer rating when throwing in his direction, while receivers managed to average 12.3 yards per catch.
Releasing Bradberry before June 1 would result in a $15.118 million dead-money charge and would cost $10.813 million against the salary cap in the upcoming season, according to Spotrac. Even post-June 1 release offers little respite with a $4.3 million dead-money charge, $10.813 million in dead-money against the Cap in 2025, with no cap space creation for the upcoming season.
Retaining Homegrown Talent: A Priority
Eagles’ General Manager, Howie Roseman highlighted the team’s stance of nurturing and rewarding homegrown talent. Key players including DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Jordan Mailata, and headliner wide receiver A.J. Brown signed contract extensions this offseason, securing their spots in the highest-paid cluster.
This strategy reflects Roseman’s belief in establishing a healthy culture in the team. “It’s great to sign free agents, but we have to get back and make sure we’re continuing to draft, develop, and pay our own on and off the field,” Roseman stated during the Adam Schein Show on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio.
With Roseman’s strategic moves, the Philadelphia Eagles retain their status as consistent contenders. The team’s approach to nurturing homegrown talent, efficient cap management, coupled with the litany of draft day moves, is set to cultivate a promising climate for their future.