The Philadelphia Eagles made one pivotal roster change involving cornerback Avonte Maddox on Wednesday ahead of the 2024 NFL free agency cycle.
Maddox, a key veteran presence and past NFC champion defender, was released in a salary cap move per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. However, he and the Eagles may not fully drift from each other just yet.
Avonte Maddox’s Contract With the Philadelphia Eagles
Schefter noted that Maddox’s release involved a $9.6 million cap hit for the Eagles. The insider, though, revealed what could become next for both Maddox and the franchise.
“The two sides will keep talking and are open to a reunion,” Schefter posted.
Maddox once agreed to a three-year extension back in 2021. That deal came with $22.5 million and $13.3 million guaranteed. At the time, this contract was good enough to stretch into 2025. The former University of Pittsburgh Panthers defender was awarded the deal for his stellar presence when coming off the bench for Philly.
As a slot cornerback, the 5’9″ Maddox was lauded for his sure tackling and sticky coverage ability — establishing himself as a valuable extra coverage presence for the secondary.
Maddox’s first Eagles contract was his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth above $3 million. He was taken 125th overall in his draft class.
Looking at Maddox’s Career With Eagles
Maddox went from a fourth-round pick as an undersized cornerback to emerging as a surprise starter immediately.
In 2018, the then-rookie managed to start in nine total games. He responded by snatching two interceptions and breaking up four passes. He also forced a fumble and put up 35 total tackles.
While Maddox saw a slight drop-off in his starts in 2019 with six, his tackle production rose to 47 total, which included two stops behind the line of scrimmage. But his ability to swipe away throws became a plus for the Eagles defense — as Maddox broke up a career-high 10 passes in his sophomore NFL season.
From 2020 to 2023, Maddox started eight games in two separate regular-season campaigns. The slot CB delivered his best tackling production in 2021 — which saw a career-best 73 stops including an astonishing five tackles past the line of scrimmage. That type of production eventually helped play into his ’21 contract extension.
Maddox became a key contributor during the Eagles’ 2022 run at the NFC title. He started in eight games in a loaded secondary that featured C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Darius Slay. Maddox forced his most career fumbles at three during the Eagles’ Super Bowl 57 pursuit. He added three tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Maddox, however, saw minimal production in 2023 as he dealt with a torn pectoral from September. He managed just two starts and settled for only 12 total tackles. He did not record an interception — a first for him since 2020.
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If the Eagles are to bring back Maddox, they have approximately $41.9 million in salary cap space to work with ahead of the official start of free agency on March 13. Maddox, though, would likely have to settle for a lesser deal if he were to return to the Eagles as the team has other significant needs to address — one involves the center spot as All-Pro and Super Bowl 53 winner Jason Kelce announced his retirement on Monday.
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