Eagles Outlook: Young CB listed as priority free agent for Birds’ defense this offseason
The Eagles are in the midst of preparing for their playoff game against New York this weekend, but that doesn’t mean us fans can’t look ahead a bit.
Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus dropped an entire piece dedicated to priority free agents for each team on the offensive side of the ball. On Wednesday, they did the same for every team’s defense.
In regards to the Eagles, the outlet listed 26-year-old corner Emmanuel Moseley as someone to keep an eye on this offseason.
PFF on why the Eagles should target Moseley in free agency
If the Eagles don’t bring cornerback James Bradberry back in 2023, they could go younger at the position here with Darius Slay also entering his age-32 season in 2023, the last year of his current contract. Philadelphia’s defense could look very different next season with a ton of key contributors set to hit free agency.
Moseley had a strong start to the 2022 season, picking up where he left off down the stretch in 2021, before going down with a season-ending injury late in Week 5. Since Week 9 of 2021, Moseley’s 76.0 coverage grade ranks tied for 20th among cornerbacks with at least 200 snaps, and his 16.7% forced incompletion rate is tied for 18th while his 1.4% rate of explosive receptions allowed on targets into his coverage ranks ninth.
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As PFF points out, this will all be dependant on whether the team opts to resign James Bradberry this season. Bradberry has had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022. He’s tallied three interceptions, 44 combined tackles, 17 pass defenses, and one touchdown during his lone season with the Eagles, en route to earning second-team All-Pro honors.
Given how good Bradberry has been this season, he’ll likely be in for a hefty payday once free agency rolls around. Howie Roseman will have his work cut out for him. Several key defensive players are set to hit free agency and there’s only so much cap room to go around.
If Bradberry walks, Moseley would certainly be an interesting replacement. At 26 years old, the CB is entering the prime of his career and has showcased some real potential during his five years in the NFL. Since 2019, Moseley has racked up five interceptions and 33 pass defenses.
The biggest question mark with Moseley is his health. He’s never played more than 12 games in a season and he tore his ACL in Week 5 of this season. When healthy, he’s an absolute menace. But as we all know, the best ability is availability in the NFL.
If Bradberry walks this offseason, Moseley is someone to keep an eye on for the Eagles.
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