One of the Philadelphia Eagles' biggest issues thus far this season has been their lack of a No. 2 cornerback. Both Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo have struggled in coverage through the first six weeks, which has allowed whoever is matched up against them to play well.
The early CB2 woes make the Eagles' decision to allow cornerback Isaiah Rodgers to walk this offseason even more troubling. Philadelphia will be facing its former corner when it takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, and while it has been reported that Rodgers and the Eagles parted mutually and hold no ill will, that does not seem to be the case anymore.
On Wednesday, Rodgers told his X followers, "don't believe the media," after Sports Illustrated's Ed Kracz reported that "the Eagles would have at least matched since $7.5 million per year" in free agency. The report comes after the ex-Eagle signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Vikings.
Given the Eagles' struggles at cornerback this season, Rodgers' revelation is upsetting for many fans and raises questions about the front office.
Isaiah Rodgers Refutes Claim that the Eagles Tried to Re-sign Him in the Offseason
If Rodgers is telling the truth, that's an indictment of general manager Howie Roseman and Philadelphia's front office. It would also explain why he may have been willing to keep quiet until Kacz's report came out.
So far this season with the Vikings, the veteran ballhawk has earned an 86.1 coverage grade, a 66.0 tackling grade, and an 82.8 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Although most of his success came in his breakout game against the Cincinnati Bengals, it's still better than Jackson or Ringo.
Rodgers recorded one pick-six and two forced fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown against the Bengals. Moreover, he has also allowed a lower reception percentage against him (52.4%) than Philadelphia's other two corners. Jackson and Ringo both have allowed receivers to have a reception percentage of just under 62% against them.
Furthermore, in 421 defensive snaps with the Eagles last season, Rodgers had a pass coverage grade of 70.5 while allowing a reception percentage of just 50%. Philly fans would love to have a player like that on the roster right now.
Sure, Philadelphia didn't have a ton of money to spend; however, it isn't like Rodgers broke the bank with the Vikings. He was definitely in the Eagles' budget and would have helped their defense tremendously this season.
Instead, now the Eagles are likely looking for answers to their cornerback problems via trade before the deadline, hoping that Rodgers won't give them more reasons to regret his exit this weekend.