Eagles Buzz: Maybe Howie should’ve kept Isaiah Rodgers

We’re a few weeks into Eagles training camp and one thing’s pretty clear — CB2 is still wide open.

Kelee Ringo was the favorite to land the job, but he was awful in the preseason opener and has slowly lost his grip on it. Adoree Jackson wasn’t much better in Week 1. Then you’ve got Jakorian Bennett and Mac McWilliams, both still in wait-and-see mode.

Read More: Eagles keeping quiet on CB2 camp competition

Eagles Cornerback Shuffle After Free Agency

The Eagles let two starting-caliber corners walk in free agency this offseason: Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers. Slay is 33 and wanted to get paid, so his departure wasn’t surprising. Rodgers was different. Some thought he’d come back on a cheap deal as a placeholder at CB2, but instead he signed with Minnesota on a two-year, $11.05 million contract.

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Howie Roseman could’ve matched that if he wanted to — he just didn’t. His offseason philosophy was simple: keep the priority free agents and let the young guys fight for starting jobs.

And to be fair, it’s worked in some spots. Moro Ojomo looks ready to pick up right where Milton Williams left off. Jalyx Hunt has made people forget about Josh Sweat. Even Sydney Brown has done enough to calm nerves about losing CJGJ.

But at cornerback? Not so much. And honestly, I’m starting to get a little worried.

Why the Eagles Could Use Rodgers Right Now

If Rodgers had come back, he’d be the unquestioned CB2. He was really good last year when filling in for Slay — posting a 76.0 grade on Pro Football Focus, ranking 21st out of 222 qualifying corners. He was targeted 25 times, allowed just 13 receptions, and held quarterbacks to a passer rating of 87. The guy can play, and I’d kill to have someone like that opposite Quinyon Mitchell right now.

Of course, this could all look silly in a month. Maybe Ringo steps up. Maybe Bennett surprises everyone. I hope that happens and I look like an asshole for even writing this. One can only hope.