The Eagles had several pressing needs entering free agency and the NFL draft, but it wasn’t until late in the process that a top-tier cornerback was added to the roster.
Philadelphia added James Bradberry after the Giants’ salary cap structure could no longer handle his huge 2022 cap hit. Bradberry was released and Howie Roseman pounced, signing the zone cornerback to a one-year deal worth $10 million.
The Eagles now have one of the NFL’s most talented cornerback trios, with both Bradyberry and Slay making PFF’s top 32 cornerbacks list.
Slay came in at No. 6 on the list, as his 86.2 coverage grade as an outside cornerback led the NFL, and he ranked 11th in both yards allowed per outside-coverage snap (0.79) and percentage of outside targets to result in a first down or touchdown (29.4%).
Bradberry landed at No. 22 on the list, after logging a 62.8 PFF grade in 2021, and he still had 17 combined pass breakups and interceptions, but he also tied for the most touchdowns allowed (8).
Avonte Maddox didn’t make the list, but it’s clear that Philadelphia and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon now have the personnel to win many of the upcoming battles in the passing game against elite opponents.
