Philadelphia Eagles attempted to claim new Colts cornerback on waivers

Ryan OLeary

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Philadelphia Eagles attempted to claim new Colts cornerback on waivers image

The Philadelphia Eagles are actively looking to add help to their banged-up secondary.

Veteran defensive back James Bradberry landed on injured reserve Thursday, and the team reportedly attempted to fill his spot with a young, former starting cornerback of the San Francisco 49ers. 

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Eagles, Chiefs and Colts all submitted waiver claims for former fifth-round pick Samuel Womack, who is headed to Indianapolis thanks to the Colts' superior priority over the two Super Bowl hopefuls.

Womack was a core special teamer for the 49ers, recording 338 snaps over his two seasons. He also logged 216 snaps on defense, working primarily as a slot corner. In Philly, the 25-year-old could have worked behind rookie Quinyon Mitchell at the nickel spot, while adding value and depth on special teams.

The Eagles’ secondary is currently in flux with the loss of Bradberry, who had just made the initial 53-man roster as a backup safety. The roster originally included a hefty number of 11 defensive backs, but that number was reduced to 10 with Bradberry moving to IR. The team promoted linebacker Oren Burks in a corresponding move, and later signed interior offensive lineman Brett Toth to the practice squad. 

The starting secondary is set for the team's Sept. 6 season opener in Brazil. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship will open as the starting safeties, with Avonte Maddox and Tristin McCollum behind them. The starting cornerbacks will be Darius Slay and some combination of Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo on the outside, with Mitchell in the slot. 

If their failed waiver claim for Womack is any indication, the Eagles are not done in their search for added depth in the secondary.

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.