Free Agency: Eagles interested in two veteran cornerbacks

The new league year is officially underway and several players throughout the NFL have already found new homes.

The Eagles made a big splash on the first day of legal tampering, signing edge rusher Haason Reddick to a three-year deal. They have been relatively quiet since then, but more moves could be on the horizon.

According to Evan Massy of NFL Analysis Network, the Eagles have shown interest in veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Xavier Rhodes:

They certainly have been working. Haason Reddick is a NICE addition. I do know they’ve had interested in both Xavier Rhodes and Patrick Peterson. #Eagles https://t.co/eqPdX9GEl1

— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) March 16, 2022

Typo in the tweet aside, it looks as though GM Howie Roseman is looking to add another proven corner to pair with Darius Slay. Earlier today on NFL Total Access, Peterson spoke about what he’s looking for from his next team and mentioned Philadelphia as a potential fit:

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After spending ten seasons with the Cardinals, Peterson signed a one-year deal in Minnesota and recorded 45 tackles, five passes defended and one interception.

He allowed just a 78.7 passer rating when targeted in 2021 and can still provide solid coverage. Peterson turns 32 years of age in July.

Patrick Peterson Pick-6 with Gus Johnson on the call 🎙🔥

📺: #CHIvsMIN on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/RHZxbwY1xX

— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022

The other cornerback mentioned, Xavier Rhodes, was selected to two Pro Bowls under Jonathan Gannon in Minnesota before his play started to decline. After being cut by the Vikings following his subpar 2019 season, Rhodes reunited with Gannon in Indianapolis.

Rhodes enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2020, only allowing a 52.4% completion percentage when targeted and an 84.6 passer rating. Gannon played a big role in the resurgence of Rhodes:

“Xavier had a heck of a year. He really bought into what we were doing. I give Jonathan Gannon a lot of credit for that. He had a relationship with Xavier coming in from Minnesota. Xavier worked and bought into everything we were doing.” – Colts General Manager Chris Ballard

Taking one of the talented defensive backs in next month’s draft should still be a priority, but either of these corners would suffice for a year. Roseman intends to remain patient in free agency and wait for the market to settle rather than overpay for someone now.

Xavier Rhodes has 2 INTs on Darnold 😤

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/awByo84ZHE

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 27, 2020