PFF names Eagles as ideal destination for pending free agent cornerback

After a historic collapse to end the 2023 season, the Eagles are set to undergo major changes in the offseason.

Head coach Nick Sirianni will meet with Eagles’ ownership to determine his future, and the roster overhaul will begin soon after.

The secondary will undoubtedly be an area of focus as Philadelphia allowed 255.7 passing yards per game this season, ranked second to last. Only Washington allowed more yards per game.

Disjointed coaching combined and persistent injuries were largely responsible, not to mention the rapid decline of James Bradberry, who signed a 3-year, $38M deal with Philadelphia last offseason.

Darius Slay played well in 2023 and is under contract through next season, while young cornerbacks Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks showed promise when given opportunities.

The Eagles will also have CB Isaiah Rodgers coming off suspension, so there is some hope for the position moving forward.

Can’t wait

— Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (@rodgers_isaiah) December 28, 2023

Another high-profile corner could become available, however.

Pro Football Focus recently suggested one free agent each NFL team should pursue in the 2024 offseason and have the Eagles signing pending free agent CB L’Jarius Sneed.

“No Eagles cornerback earned a PFF coverage grade of 70.0 or better in 2023. If the team wants to get back to contending after a disappointing final stretch to the 2023 season, they will have to invest in the position again.

Sneed would be a big splash in that regard. He is a capable, physical cornerback from either the inside or the outside, earning PFF coverage grades of 70.0 or better in three of his four NFL seasons.”

Sneed was a true shutdown corner for Kansas City this season, shadowing No. 1 receivers and essentially taking them out of the game.

L’Jarius Sneed vs. WR1s in 2023

• Ja’Marr Chase: 0 receptions, 0 yards
• Davante Adams: 1 reception, 4 yards
• Stefon Diggs: 1 receptions, 3 yards
• Davante Adams: 5 receptions, 73 yards
• AJ Brown: 1 receptions, 8 yards
• Tyreek Hill: 1 reception, 6 yards
• Courtland Sutton: 1 receptions, 23 yards
• Keenan Allen: 0 receptions, 0 yards
• Justin Jefferson: 2 receptions, 14 yards
• Garrett Wilson: 3 receptions, 24 yards
• DJ Moore: 1 reception, 4 yards
• Calvin Ridley: 2 receptions, 32 yards

Per Spotrac, Sneed’s market value is projected to be roughly $11.8M/year. For comparison sake, Bradberry is making $12.7M annually.

The Eagles have several needs to address this offseason, but heading into 2024 with a CB tandem of Darius Slay and L’Jarius Sneed would be ideal.

L'Jarius Sneed had MIA's WRs on LOCK 🔒 pic.twitter.com/f1sM2TRRTM

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 14, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Perry Knotts | Getty Images