The Philadelphia Eagles have lost out on a top target in NFL free agency.
First, the Philadelphia Eagles watched as superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. Now, they just missed out on a key free-agent target.
Cornerback Montaric Brown, who has been viewed as a top candidate for the Eagles, has decided to re-sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $33 million contract (via ESPN's Adam Schefter), preventing him from hitting the open market.
Philadelphia is in serious need of another cornerback. Quinyon Mitchell has been impressive, and Cooper DeJean is terrific in the nickel role, but the Eagles desperately need a legitimate No. 2 corner on the other side.
Philly relied on Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo to fill the secondary cornerback slot in 2025, and it did not exactly go well for the Eagles, who were regularly giving up big plays throughout the year.
Brown registered 51 tackles, a couple of interceptions and 12 passes defended with the Jaguars this past season, managing a 75.5 coverage grade at Pro Football Focus.
It represented a breakout campaign for Brown, who was originally selected by Jacksonville in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.The 26-year-old began seeing regular playing time in 2023 when he logged 34 tackles and four passes defended. He then showed significant improvement the following season, recording 75 tackles, a pick and eight passes defended.
Brown then established himself as one of the league's most underrated defensive backs this past year.
Luckily for Philadelphia, there will be plenty of other chances for the squad to add cornerbacks this offseason, and that could even come via the NFL Draft.
This year's draft class s rife with talent at the position, so the Eagles may choose to punt to next month to find an answer at that spot.
It's important to note that Philadelphia does not have a ton of cap room, so it may have ultimately been priced out on Brown even if he did it free agency.
The Eagles also have a far bigger need at edge rusher, particularly with Jaelan Phillips hitting the open market. It will also be interesting to see if Philadelphia ends up moving wide receiver A.J. Brown in the coming days.
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