Philadelphia, PA – May 29, 2025
While much of the attention at Eagles OTAs has been focused on fresh faces and flashy plays, a quiet but pivotal roster battle is brewing—one that could define the outcome of Philadelphia’s 2025 season. With the departure of key veterans from the secondary, the fight for the right cornerback position is emerging as one of the most consequential competitions in the early stages of team development.
The Eagles entered OTAs without C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, James Bradberry, or Avonte Maddox—all veterans who either signed elsewhere or were released. In their place, the franchise is turning to a youth-driven rebuild, highlighted by Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Reed Blankenship. While Mitchell and DeJean appear locked into their starting spots on the left and nickel positions respectively, the third piece of the puzzle remains a mystery.
Adoree’ Jackson, a seasoned NFL veteran, and Kelee Ringo, a second-year player with tantalizing physical upside, are currently neck-and-neck in the race for the starting role at right cornerback. According to Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Gowton, both Jackson and Ringo split first-team reps during OTAs, signaling a genuine battle that could stretch deep into training camp.
“We’re excited about the competition,” head coach Nick Sirianni said when asked about the open spot. “We brought in Adoree’ because of his experience, but we’ve seen major growth from Kelee too. Iron sharpens iron, and that’s what we want to see.”
Jackson brings experience—82 starts over eight seasons—but struggled to hold a starting role with the Giants last year. Meanwhile, Ringo, standing at an imposing 6-foot-2, offers athleticism, youth, and familiarity with Vic Fangio’s defensive system. His versatility and steady performance last year (36 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT) have made him a serious contender.
“I know I can win this job,” Ringo told reporters after a practice session. “Last year, I learned a lot just watching Slay and Bradberry. Now it’s my time to show what I can do on the field, not just in the film room.”
The Eagles aren’t just picking a cornerback—they’re choosing a philosophy. Do they lean on veteran reliability, or embrace raw talent with long-term upside?
In a defense already undergoing transformation, the outcome of this duel could ripple across the entire secondary. Mitchell and DeJean are rising stars, but the performance of the right-side corner will determine how well Fangio’s unit adapts to life after its former leaders.
“When you lose that many vets in one offseason, you’ve got to rely on young guys stepping up—and fast,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio commented. “The good thing is, we have talent. We just need to find out who’s ready to take that next step.”
This roster battle isn’t loud. It won’t make headlines like a blockbuster trade. But when the regular season kicks off, this quiet war could be the hinge upon which the entire Eagles’ defensive season swings.
