The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move in the 2025 NFL free agency by signing cornerback Adoree' Jackson to bolster their defensive lineup after losing Darius Slay to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson, who spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants, is expected to step into a starting role, given the current scarcity of experienced cornerbacks on the Eagles' roster.

Originally drafted in the first round by the Tennessee Titans in 2017, Jackson has faced injury challenges but showcased his skills in recent seasons. His acquisition is strategically timed as the Eagles look to maintain their defensive prowess in a competitive NFC. The addition of Jackson, alongside young talents like Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, presents a refreshed dynamic within the Eagles' secondary.

The evolution of Cooper DeJean's performance throughout the 2024 NFL season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start that saw him not feature prominently, his playoff exploits propelled him to the top of the cornerback rankings, even surpassing established players like Pat Surtain II.

Among the key highlights was DeJean's stellar Super Bowl performance, where he not only contributed defensively but also made a game-changing play by returning an interception for a touchdown, demonstrating both his skill and resilience. Other rookie cornerbacks like Quinyon Mitchell and Andru Phillips also made significant impacts, showcasing the depth of talent in this year's class.

The 2025 NFL Draft season is upon us, bringing fresh opportunities for teams to re-evaluate their strategies, especially regarding double-dipping at key positions. The Philadelphia Eagles have set a precedent by successfully selecting both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in 2024. The current draft class shows promising depth in edge and interior defenders, making it a fertile ground for franchises looking to bolster their defenses.

Across the league, teams are increasingly leveraging multiple early-round picks to address position needs, as evidenced by the trend where 18 out of 32 teams have made two selections in the top-four rounds at the same position over the last three years. This approach highlights the unpredictability of the draft, where first-round picks may not always yield immediate returns. Teams like the Rams, with a reduced number of early picks due to trading, illustrate a contrasting strategy where depth is often sacrificed for star power. The necessity of effective scouting and a calculated approach has never been more critical for teams aiming to capitalize on the upcoming draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles are shifting gears this offseason with the release of cornerback Darius Slay. Despite coming off a strong season, Slay's departure will save the Eagles significant salary cap space, with $4.3 million for 2025 and $17.8 million in 2026. Slay's performance included a 63.6 passer rating allowed and 13 pass breakups, showcasing his effectiveness in coverage. With Slay gone, Cooper DeJean is set to take on an expanded role, transitioning to outside cornerback while Isaiah Rodgers’ future with the team hangs in the balance as he enters free agency.

As the Eagles restructure their defense, they could potentially bring Slay back at a reduced rate. His experience could be invaluable for the development of young corners like Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean. With the Eagles eyeing a championship again, retaining Slay might provide the veteran presence they need.