NFL News & Analysis

Philadelphia Eagles set to continue their winning ways after retaining James Bradberry and Darius Slay

Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In an offseason where they are losing plenty of players from an NFC championship-winning roster, the Philadelphia Eagles made two key decisions at cornerback last week, opting to re-sign James Bradberry and keeping Darius Slay after reports that he was set to be released.

Just 10 cornerbacks in the NFL had a higher PFF coverage grade than the 77.3 mark produced by Slay in the 2022 regular season and playoffs. Seeing 713 snaps in coverage, Slay allowed 47 receptions from 83 passes and finished the year with three interceptions and nine pass breakups.

Slay has now produced PFF coverage grades of 70.0 or better in seven of his 10 NFL seasons, while his 87.2 PFF coverage grade over the past two seasons trails only Jalen Ramsey among players to see 1,000 snaps in coverage at the position.

Bradberry is coming off the second-highest-graded season of his career both in terms of PFF grade (71.7), which ranked 27th at the position, and in PFF coverage grade (77.1), which ranked 12th among cornerbacks.

Throughout the regular season and playoffs, Bradberry saw 759 coverage snaps and was targeted 98 times. He allowed just catches 46 on those targets and registered four interceptions and 12 pass breakups. All 12 of those pass breakups came in the regular season, and his total was tied with Michael Davis of the Los Angeles Chargers for third at the position.

Pass Breakups in 2022 Regular Season
Player Pass Breakups
Sauce Gardner 14
Darious Williams 14
James Bradberry 12
Michael Davis 12
Xavien Howard 11
Jalen Ramsey 11

In bringing back Bradberry and opting to not release Slay, the Eagles have once again set themselves a high floor in the defensive backfield as they look to get back to the Super Bowl this season.

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