Eagles bring back CB a month after releasing him

Roughly one month ago, the Eagles released Avonte Maddox in a cost-shedding move. That decision came with the prospect of a reunion later in the offseason, which has now come to pass. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the veteran corner has agreed to a new, one-year deal with Philadelphia. 

Maddox — whom Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football notes visited the Saints as a free agent — was on the books for the 2024 season before he was cut, but he was due to carry a cap charge of $9.68M. That figure helped inform the Eagles’ decision to move on temporarily, but reports indicated the parties could work out a new arrangement at a lower cost. Given Thursday’s news, that has no doubt taken place.

The 28-year-old has 64 games and 38 starts to his name, all with the Eagles. Maddox has proven himself a capable contributor in the slot when on the field, but injuries have been an issue during the past two seasons. In 2023, a torn pectoral muscle forced him onto injured reserve and limited him to four regular-season contests. Maddox can now compete for a starting role during training camp, but at a minimum, he could serve as an experienced backup.

The Eagles entered Thursday in better cap shape than most other teams in the NFL. With over $31M in available funds, the team could easily afford to bring Maddox back in addition to a lucrative move on the free agent market. Of course, the team has already been active in the secondary by bringing back C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a three-year deal. After the team recently extended Reed Blankenship, the latter could step in as a safety or slot corner.

Improvements in the secondary were considered a priority for the Eagles after the team’s defense played a key role in their late-season collapse. It came as little surprise when trade acquisition Kevin Byard was released, but veteran corners Darius Slay and James Bradberry are still in place as cornerback starters. The upcoming draft will allow Philadelphia to add young options at that spot, but Maddox will be in the fold for at least one more season.