The Philadelphia Eagles are 3-0 after securing Sunday's 33-26 win over the Los Angeles Rams, in large part due to the blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown by defensive tackle Jordan Davis.
Despite being undefeated, the Eagles are always looking at ways to improve the roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Defense wins championships, after all. Unfortunately, Philadelphia now has one fewer option to bolster its secondary because, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Indianapolis Colts are signing cornerback Mike Hilton.
The Eagles worked out Hilton on Sept. 8 (h/t @thomasrp93), following their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, but never pulled the trigger on adding him. Now, Philly fans are left with the thoughts of what could've been.
Former Eagles Target CB Mike Hilton Agrees to Join the Colts
Adoree' Jackson won the Eagles' CB2 battle, but his opener against the Cowboys was massively disappointing. On Pro Football Focus, he posted a 32.4 overall grade and 33.6 coverage grade in Week 1. Thankfully, it hadn't been that bad since, as he finished with at least a 54.0 overall grade in Weeks 2 and 3.
The Philly Special Show's Anthony DiBona mentioned on Monday that revealed Jackson's improved numbers. In Week 2 against the Chiefs, he allowed three catches (five targets) for 26 yards. Then, in the game versus the Rams, Jackson gave up three receptions (four targets) for 23 yards.
After that shaky Week 1 performance, he looks to have settled in, which likely played a role in why the Eagles decided not to sign Hilton. They already have Quinyon Mitchell and Jackson on the boundaries, with Cooper DeJean playing in the slot.
The Eagles love having DeJean play in the nickel and that's the same spot that Hilton plays. He has taken 4,714 career snaps at nickel corner compared to just 1,139 snaps anywhere else on defense. Considering the faith Philly has in DeJean at that spot, though, it makes sense why Hilton was left in the rearview.
Nonetheless, Hilton joining the Colts slammed the door on any chance that Philadelphia could sign him. If Jackson continues his positive trajectory in the coming weeks, the Eagles won't care that Hilton signed with the Colts.
The fact that the Eagles worked out Hilton does show they know that the secondary has room for improvement, which means Jackson knows he must put his best foot forward in every game. If not, he could be out of a job and replaced in a flash.