Eagles Release Corner Avonte Maddox After Injury-Plagued Seasons
The Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with cornerback Avonte Maddox, a move that was not unexpected given his injury history. Maddox, who has missed a total of 29 games over the last four years, was released by the team, as confirmed by a league source and ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with cornerback Avonte Maddox, a move that was not unexpected given his injury history. Maddox, who has missed a total of 29 games over the last four years, was released by the team, as confirmed by a league source and ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Injury-Prone Career
Maddox, 27, has shown promise as a slot cornerback when healthy. However, his availability has been a major concern, with multiple injuries sidelining him for significant portions of the past few seasons.
- In 2020, he missed six games due to an ankle injury.
- In 2022, he played only nine games due to ankle, knee, and toe injuries.
- In 2023, he was limited to just four games after undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral muscle in September.
Despite signing a lucrative three-year contract extension in 2021, injuries continued to hamper Maddox's ability to stay on the field and perform at his best.
Financial Implications
The Eagles had a decision to make regarding Maddox's contract, which had one year remaining with a significant cap hit. Depending on the designation of his release, the team could save a substantial amount of money against the salary cap, albeit with some dead money implications.
- Post-June 1 designation would result in a different cap hit distribution.
- Without the post-June 1 designation, the Eagles would face a larger dead money hit for this year.
Legacy of the 2018 Draft Class
Maddox was a fourth-round pick in the Eagles' 2018 draft class, which also included notable players like Dallas Goedert, Josh Sweat, and Jordan Mailata. Despite his early contributions as a rookie, Maddox's tenure with the team was marred by injuries and inconsistent performance.
Future Plans in the Slot
With Maddox's departure, the Eagles will need to address the slot cornerback position moving forward. Several players, including Eli Ricks, Zech McPhearson, and Sydney Brown, have seen playing time in the slot, but the team may look to add more depth through the draft or free agency.
Eagles' general manager Howie Roseman acknowledged the need to bolster the cornerback position and provide more options for the team's secondary.
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles navigate the offseason, decisions regarding the cornerback position will be crucial to shaping the team's defense for the upcoming season. The release of Maddox and safety Kevin Byard highlights the team's commitment to addressing areas of need and building a competitive roster for the future.
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