Eagles Reportedly Benching Struggling Starter for Week 6

The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a bye week and hosting the struggling Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The bye week couldn't have come at a better time as it allowed key Eagles starters like DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown to recover from their injuries. It also gave defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and head coach Nick Sirianni to address the deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball.

The changes began when the Eagles released linebacker Devin White on Tuesday. Yet, they are not stopping there. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that there will be a shakeup in the starting lineup as well. The second-round pick Cooper DeJean is going to be taking over the starting nickel job from Avonte Maddox.

"One position to watch: Rookie Cooper DeJean taking over nickel corner duties from veteran Avonte Maddox. That’s a move I’m expecting, barring new developments."

- Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

Fowler added that the talented rookie is finally "caught up with Vic Fangio's scheme". The Eagles reportedly considered multiple defensive positions before deciding on replacing struggling Maddox.

After going through back-to-back injury-riddled seasons in 2022 and 2023, Maddox has finally been healthy this season. Through the first four games of the season, he has played a career-high 82% of defensive snaps.

In his snaps, however, he has not been very impactful, boasting a 52.6 defensive grade on PFF. He especially struggled in Week 4 against the Bucs, allowing five catches and missing one big tackle.

Maddox has been a competent veteran for the Eagles ever since he was a fourth-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft but he doesn't have the upside and the playmaking ability Cooper DeJean has.

DeJean has been a fan favorite ever since the Eagles were fortunate enough to land him in the second round. He now has an excellent opportunity to get this defense that currently ranks 31st in the league in yards per play to another level.