Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman sent a clear message during the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell on Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds.
Mitchell has been entrenched as a starting outside corner since Week 1. DeJean is about to get his chance as the starting nickel in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.
With other young players, like Kelee Ringo, struggling to get snaps in Philly’s crowded cornerback room, it’s only a matter of time before Roseman and the Eagles hand the keys over to the franchise’s next wave of talent.
That time could be coming sooner rather than later, according to Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com.
Benjamin recently named veteran cornerback Darius Slay of the Eagles as one of seven big-name players who could be traded before the NFL’s Nov. 5 deadline. Here was Benjamin’s take on the situation:
The Philadelphia Eagles aren't likely to part with their most experienced cover man while sitting in the thick of the NFC East race, but general manager Howie Roseman prides himself on forging creative deals, and he was already prepared to part ways with Slay prior to the 2023 season. With promising youngsters Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo and Cooper DeJean all in tow, there could be added motivation to change.
At 33, Slay continues to be a consistent player for the Eagles, but he’s hardly been dominant. Per PFF, he’s surrendered 11 catches on 15 targets this season with a pair of pass breakups. His opponent passer rating of 129.7 ranks worst among Eagles corners, and third-worst overall behind safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Still, the current state of the depth chart screams no when speculating on Slay's chances of getting traded.
The Eagles have had plenty of chances to get Ringo on the field this season, but opted to roll with converted safety Avonte Maddox as the starting nickel from Weeks 1 through 4. As a result, Ringo has seen just 20 snaps all season. He’s certainly not pushing Slay for playing time right now, and neither is veteran Isaiah Rodgers (9 total snaps).
Slay’s time with the Eagles might be nearing an end, but his spot feels safe for a team still hopeful for a deep playoff run in 2024.
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