According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles will be making a move today after all, but it’s not the blockbuster fans were hoping for.
Former Jets’ 3rd-round pick, CB Dexter McDougle, agreed to terms with Eagles, per @seanstellato.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 16, 2018
The report cites that the team are bringing back a familiar face in the secondary, Dexter McDougle, who was cut by the Eagles during the heart of last season. That didn’t stop him from getting a ring though.
New/old #Eagles cornerback Dexter McDougle was in #Jaguars camp this year. Spoke to him before he went to the Super Bowl ring ceremony. He received a ring despite being cut mid-season. He loved playing in Philly the first time around.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) October 16, 2018
McDougle was waived to make room for Dannell Ellerbe, a key veteran LB signing who was immediately asked to step in for Jordan Hicks. However, the Eagles liked what they saw from McDougle during his first stint with the team. Here’s a film room piece breaking down some of the tape from his stint with New York, along with all you need to know about his ability and ceiling.
Eagles Film Room: Could Dexter McDougle become the team’s starting slot cornerback?
McDougle raced into Philadelphia and faced the team that let him walk just one preseason game later, putting on an impressive show. With playing experience in the City of Brotherly Love on his side as well as some coaching appreciation, the move makes sense given the grand scheme of things.
The Eagles haven’t just lost Rodney McLeod, but they will now be without their starting nickel cornerback, Sidney Jones for the foreseeable future. Corey Graham missed Thursday’s win with an injury and all of a sudden, the plethora of Eagles defensive backs are going to be feeling the strain.
Depth isn’t an issue, however it could be when pieces begin moving. If Douglas plays inside which would be slightly unnatural, the Eagles would be short if Mills or Darby went down with an injury. if Maddox moves back into the slot, the Eagles would be playing Douglas over the top.
Defensive backs aren’t overly expensive on trade blocks, or even better, free agency. The thing with DB’s is that scheme is everything and finding a player who can be plugged straight into a live-game situation and make an impact is far more difficult than you think. This alone makes the return of McDougle a very strong and cost-efficient move by the front office.
Consequently, the Eagles have also made two other moves. former seventh-round pick Destiny Vaeao has been waived/injured, while the team bring former Richmond Spider captain Wisnton Craig back into the fold. As of right now, that leaves Cox, Treyvon Hester and Winston Craig if Ngata is unable to play due to injury. It’s likely that the Eagles will invest in some extra interior pass-rush help over the coming days with the need becoming evermore glaring.
Roster Moves: #Eagles have signed CB Dexter McDougle and waived/injured DT Destiny Vaeao. Also, the Eagles have signed DT Winston Craig to the practice squad and released LB Kyle Wilson from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/hq68thqAe2
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 16, 2018
Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
