After lifting the Lombardi Trophy in February, the Philadelphia Eagles had their share of offseason departures over the last month. Unfortunately, that is the price of success in the NFL. Teams around the league poach players from successful teams to hopefully close the gap and catch up to them.
Most of the significant departures for the Eagles came on the defensive side of the ball. While Josh Sweat and Milton Williams leaving in free agency, CJ Gardner-Johnson getting traded, and Brandon Graham retiring received most of the attention, the Eagles also lost a longtime veteran in an under-the-radar move. Avonte Maddox, who has been with the team since 2018, signed with the Detroit Lions last week.
On Tuesday, Maddox took to social media to send a message to Eagles fans.
Philadelphia! All love ❤️! Forever will be my home. I appreciate you all!
— Avonte Maddox (@2live_AM) March 24, 2025
Avonte Maddox Sends Message to Eagles Fans After Signing With the Lions
Maddox, born and raised in Detroit, will be playing for his hometown team. He has previously showed off his Lions tattoo on his arm while playing for the Eagles. Yet, the 28-year-old said that Philadelphia "will be his home forever."
After he was a fourth-round pick by the Eagles in 2018, Maddox was used all over the field early in his career. He lined up at safety, slot, and on the outside, while playing a significant role on special teams. He dealt with a ton of injuries throughout his Eagles tenure, leading to his release last offseason. He was eventually re-signed and had the healthiest season of his career, playing in every game for the first time. In recent years, he has primarily played as the team's primary nickelback and has thrived in that role.
Maddox will now return to Lincoln Field wearing a different uniform for the first time in his career. The Eagles and the Lions are scheduled to meet this season, in a game that will be very meaningful for Maddox.