Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles have executed a remarkable transformation this season, achieving what most NFL organizations can only dream of: revitalizing their secondary in just one offseason. Coming off a disappointing 2023 season where they ranked a lowly 31st in pass defense, the Eagles flipped the script in 2024, clinching the top spot with a remarkable average of fewer than 175 passing yards allowed per game.
The surge in performance is largely credited to a youthful influx in the secondary. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, the team’s top draft picks last year, stepped into key roles as rookies and delivered standout performances that exceeded expectations right from the get-go. This emergence of high-caliber talent has enabled the Eagles’ front office to make tough decisions regarding veteran players, creating essential cap space in the process.
In a significant move earlier this week, the Eagles announced the release of veteran cornerback James Bradberry. This was a pivotal decision, driven by financial considerations more than anything else. Bradberry, who joined the Eagles prior to the 2022 season, has been a mainstay in the defense, starting in 33 games over the past two seasons despite missing all of the last year due to a leg injury suffered during training camp.
While Bradberry’s physical presence was missed last season, his contributions to team culture and the development of younger players were profound. The coaching staff and the organization have consistently respected his role in mentoring the Eagles’ emerging defensive backs, ensuring that his leadership qualities did not go unnoticed. For his efforts while sidelined, Bradberry will be honored with a Super Bowl ring, highlighting his invaluable experience and support in the locker room.
As the Eagles pivot towards a younger secondary, the financial realities made releasing Bradberry, now 31 years old, a practical choice. With a cap hit of $5.195 million, moving on saves the team $2.1 million and opens the door for the next generation of defensive talent to take center stage. The youth movement in Philadelphia’s secondary is officially underway, and the pressure now shifts onto Mitchell and DeJean as they step into prominent roles next season. The Eagles are banking on their fresh faces not only to match but to elevate the defensive prowess shown in 2024, making for an exciting new chapter in Philly football.
