ESPN NFL writer Bill Barnwell thinks that Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo is on the hot seat after his recent string of performances over the past several weeks. Ringo has been highlighted after an injury to Quinyon Mitchell, and Adoree' Jackson has thrust him into a starting role.
"The Eagles can keep the faith with Ringo," Barnwell said. "They can turn back to Jackson, who was run through on a touchdown by Skattebo and has already essentially been benched once this season. They could eventually look toward Jakorian Bennett, though the summer trade acquisition played just 24 defensive snaps in three games before being placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury and doesn't have a clear timeframe for returning.
To bring it full circle, though, this is Roseman's team. If there's one thing he's known for besides drafting Georgia defenders, it's making plenty of trades. With the deadline just weeks away and that outside cornerback role across from Mitchell and DeJean continuing to be a liability, would anyone be surprised if the Eagles made a move for a veteran cornerback who could step into the lineup at midseason? I'd expect Roseman to be hitting the phones in search of CB help between now and Nov. 4, which would squeeze Ringo out of a starting role."
Ringo deserves to be on the hot seat after a rough season
Ringo gave up three catches for 69 yards in the 34-17 loss to the New York Giants in Week 6. Most notably was outjumped on a 50-50 ball by Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who picked up 34 yards on the play after being elevated from the practice squad just hours earlier during a third and 12. Ringo was also victim to a Wan'Dale Robinson crosser that gave up 26 yards for a first down. In addition to the receptions given up, Ringo was also a victim of several penalties that led to Giants scores.
Ringo had an illegal contact penalty called on him that gave the Giants a free first down on a drive that eventually ended in a touchdown. In addition to being penalized on a 20-yard pass interference call that set the Giants up with a first-and-goal on the one-yard line, Cam Skattebo punched in, causing Jackson and Zack Baun to look skittish in the run fit.
Ringo's performance (and to be fair, Jackson's) has put a major spotlight on the young defender, leading to his benching for much of the fourth quarter, with Cooper DeJean taking the majority of reps at the position.
With the Eagles dealing with an injured Quinyon Mitchell, in addition to Jakorian Bennett on IR, the pressure is on Ringo to take advantage of his next opportunity now that he's in the fold for the Eagles' secondary. With Howie Roseman always looking to make a trade, it is highly likely that cornerback is an even higher priority for Philadelphia as the season gets to its mid-way point.
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The Eagles have unknowns in rookie fifth-round pick Mac McWilliams and newly signed Tariq Castro-Fields as options to promote, depending on what Fangio has in mind. Regardless, it's now time for the third-year cornerback out of Georgia to put up or shut up with the 2025 season almost halfway done.