The Philadelphia Eagles are in dire need of upgrading at cornerback and they have several options that would fit the bill available in 2020 NFL free agency.
In case you didn’t hear it every week throughout the 2019 regular season and the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles secondary was an issue all year long. Whether it was injuries to the likes of Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills or just a general lack of positive performance, it was the big bugaboo surrounding a possible Super Bowl team from start to finish.
Admittedly, it was injuries that ultimately did the Eagles in when they faced the Seattle Seahawks in the postseason. However, if Carson Wentz wants to be able to lead Doug Pederson‘s club to the promised land again, Philadelphia needs Howie Roseman and the front office to make some big moves in free agency, specifically with upgrading their secondary.
Going into 2020 NFL free agency, which begins on March 18 at 4:00 p.m. ET, the Eagles are in a strong position to make an impact. They have a little more than $43.5 million in room under the salary cap, per Over the Cap, meaning they can attack a talent-rich free-agent class in the open market and improve their biggest weakness. Furthermore, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network has reported the Eagles will “leave no stone unturned” to improve at corner in free agency.
But who can the Eagles go after? Let’s take a look at five cornerback targets for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 NFL free agency.
5. Eli Apple (Saints)
When he was a first-round pick with the New York Giants, Eli Apple did not live up to the billing. He was an issue in the locker room and his performance on the field never lived up to where he was drafted. Thus, they shipped him to New Orleans trying to rid themselves of the issue.
Unfortunately for the Giants but much to the delight of the Saints, however, Apple has performed incredibly well in the Big Easy. In fact, he was one of the best cornerbacks in coverage this past season, showing out consistently for the majority of the year.
Because Apple’s young career has been marred by bouts with inconsistency, the Eagles pursuing him in free agency might be a bit of a risk. At the same time, his highest level of play is among the best that Philadelphia can get, so putting a toe in the water and seeing what kind of deal they may be able to work out would be worthwhile.