Philadelphia Eagles: 3 cheap and easy additions to make at cornerback

Steven Nelson

2020 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Veering away from free agency for the moment, Steven Nelson is a player who the Philadelphia Eagles could actually acquire via trade. The veteran corner was recently granted permission by the Steelers to pursue a trade this offseason, and he presents Philadelphia with a way to instantly upgrade their secondary, without having to negotiate a free agency deal.

Mike Kaye over at NJ.com has been all over this potential move:

"Nelson, who just turned 28 in January, would make sense for the cap-strapped Eagles. While he would probably cost a fifth-round pick or more in a trade, the Eagles have seven Day 3 picks in the upcoming draft. With two fifth-round picks, three sixth-round picks and two seventh-round picks, the Eagles could easily create a worthwhile package for the Steelers without touching their premium selections. While money is obviously tight, Nelson is young and durable enough to warrant an extension on his current contract. That extension could lower his cap number significantly, as the Eagles would pay out most of his salary this season in the form of a signing bonus, and the cap hit would then be spread out through the remainder of the contract’s length. According to Over the Cap, an extension to Nelson’s contract could save his next team roughly $5.8 million in cap space this season. Signing Nelson to a two-year extension would be logical, as the acquiring team could then cut bait with him shortly after his 31st birthday."

I agree with pretty much everything Mike says here, especially the part about giving up a fifth-round pick (or more) being worth it. As much as the Eagles should prioritize getting younger over the next couple of seasons, using day three picks to land a proven starting cornerback is simply good value.

Nelson has seven interceptions over the last three seasons and his allowed completion percentage when targeted finished in the 50% range during each of those years – a sizable upgrade.

UPDATE: Steven Nelson has since been released. Everything myself and Mike said in regards to Nelson being a good fit for Philly still applies, except now the team wouldn’t have to give up a draft pick to acquire him. Yay!