First, the team signed free agent cornerback Dexter McDougle. The Eagles originally traded Terrence Brooks to the Jets for McDougle prior to the final preseason game last summer. McDougle served as a backup slot corner and special teams contributor prior to being cut in order to make room for Dannell Ellerbe in November.
The Eagles are in need of depth at nickel cornerback with Sidney Jones suffering a hamstrings injury that Doug Pederson described as “week-to-week.” McDougle’s familiarity with the Eagles scheme could allow him to fill in there, which then could let Avonte Maddox stay back at safety.