Philadelphia Eagles have bad track record with free agent cornerbacks
As the NFL’s free agency period nears, the Eagles are expected to target A.J. Bouye.
For NFL teams, it is good be mindful of the past, so they don’t fall victim to repeating it. As the Philadelphia Eagles evaluate their roster, they know corners are needed. The problem is the team’s recent history shows they’ve struggled with selecting one in free agency.
Leodis McKelvin and Nolan Carroll are not long-term solutions at the position. Jalen Mills may have a role in the future, but he may never be a shut-down corner. A.J. Bouye of the Houston Texans offers an immediate upgrade at one of the most important positions in the current NFL, but history suggests the Eagles should pass.
Why on Earth would we say that?
Think Byron Maxwell. Then, think about Nnamdi Asomugha. Both once represented exactly what Bouye represented. Maxwell was coming off a Super Bowl appearance and was a member of the NFL’s best secondary, at the time, in Seattle. The Seattle Seahawks were never going to pay Maxwell more than what they thought he was worth, but Maxwell was able to capitalize on the fact that his stock was so high. The Eagles came running and gave Maxwell a deal that left Pete Carroll and, possibly, the rest of the NFL chuckling.
Asomugha was considered one of the two best cornerbacks in the NFL when the Eagles signed him in free agency. His addition to the team came as a part of the signing frenzy that became known as the “Dream Team”. Asomugha was not only compared to Darrelle Revis in his prime. Some people actually thought he was better. The Eagles never got what they paid for in Maxwell or Asomugha. Both corners found themselves on different teams shortly thereafter.
More money, more problems?
During the 2016 season, Bouye registered 16 pass-breakups. That helped usher the Texans to a division championship as they won the AFC South. The former undrafted rookie has now set himself up for what could be a massive pay day. The Eagles will be intrigued, as they should be. Still, if they’re going to make an offer to Bouye, the hope is they don’t repeat their recent missteps in finding corners on the free agent market.