Rookies Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell impressed the entire NFL in 2024. After just a few weeks as starters, they did not look like first-year players in the league and were both Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists. DeJean recorded 50 tackles (37 solo), six PDs, three fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Mitchell posted 46 tackles (37 solo), 12 PDs (second-most on team) and had two interceptions in the playoffs.
Big Play Slay, who started on the outside along with Mitchell, played in 14 games in 2024 for the Eagles, having 49 tackles (39 solo), 13 PDs (team best), a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Isaiah Rodgers saw time at both corner and on special teams, playing in 15 games with three starts. He averaged 28.1 yards per kick return (eight kicks for 225 yards). Kelee Ringo continued his development, playing in all 17 games, mainly on special teams.
Avonte Maddox served primarily as a backup in 2024 but brought his veteran presence to work each day. Maddox has played in 81 games with 41 starts for Philadelphia, accumulating 264 tackles (194 solo), 36 PDs, and eight forced fumbles in seven seasons. 2023 undrafted free agent Eli Ricks played in seven games on both defense and special teams.
The Eagles signed defensive back Tariq Castro-Fields to a future contract after spending time on the practice squad in 2024. The former Penn State Nittany Lion was a sixth-round pick of the 49ers in 2022. Veteran Parry Nickerson, who had a strong Training Camp and has played in 30 NFL games, was also signed to a future contract after his time on the practice squad. A.J. Woods was signed to a future contract after joining the practice squad in September.
Free Agents
Maddox and Rodgers are the two cornerbacks scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
Bird Talk
"He (Quinyon Mitchell) has had a really great season and there is more to grow with him," Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio said. "He works hard and keeps his head down and does what he's told, follows coaching very well. He has room to grow. This is a player who won't get ahead of himself. He's going to stay hungry."
Notable Stat
DeJean ranked fourth among NFL cornerbacks with an overall PFF grade of 82.7 and ranked second in run defense grade at 90.8. The versatile rookie also finished 12 among cornerbacks with a coverage grade of 79.3.
Under the Microscope
The foundation has been laid with the impressive first years by DeJean and Mitchell. The question will be what happens with Rodgers and Maddox in free agency. Will Ringo find a more significant role on defense? It is a primarily young group with a lot of talent, so the competition will be fierce leading up to Week 1 of the 2025 season. – Written by Liam Wichser
