Philadelphia Eagles: 3 cheap and easy additions to make at cornerback
By David Esser
Mackenzie Alexander
2020 Team: Cincinatti Bengals
A 5-10 slot corner who has experience with Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon from their days with the Minnesota Vikings, Mackenzie Alexander is a player who would provide a similar usefulness to that of Anthony Harris. A veteran defensive back who knows the scheme, who can come in and coach up some of the younger players for a year or two.
Alexander has been consistently solid operating out of the slot since being drafted in 2016, especially in 2018 when he recorded 10 passes defensed and 4.0 sacks. His allowed completion percentages and allowed passer ratings when targeted have always been respectable as well – much better than the likes of Avonte Maddox or NRC, for example.
The biggest issue that would likely arise with Alexander is competition. The Vikings have reportedly already sent an offer to their old corner this offseason, and spotrac.com has his market value set at three-years/$25.2 million.
The Eagles could offer that if they really wanted to, and just backload the heck out of it like they did with Javon Hargrave last offseason. However, it’d still be a pretty sizable financial commitment to make to a slot corner.
There’s also a chance Alexander settles for a one-year deal similar to that of Harris, which is where the “cheap and easy” aspect of this potential signing comes into play. If Alexander hasn’t signed a big boy contract up to this point, he might just not get one this offseason.
Next. The Philadelphia Eagles are the only team in the NFC East without a true WR1. dark
Regardless, the Philadelphia Eagles need to find a way to bring in at least one veteran corner this offseason. Someone with experience in Jonathan Gannon’s scheme would be preferred, but the options are quickly becoming limited. Philly shouldn’t be picky when it comes to improving their secondary over the next couple of days.