The Philadelphia Eagles are bolstering their defensive backfield with a notable addition. As reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz on October 3, the Eagles are signing veteran cornerback Bradley Roby. According to Schultz, Roby, who has three career pick-sixes, was sought after by multiple teams but chose to join Philadelphia to contribute to their Super Bowl aspirations.
Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia confirms that Roby will initially join the Eagles’ practice squad. This move is aimed at strengthening Philadelphia’s secondary, which has shown vulnerabilities in recent games.
The Eagles’ decision comes on the heels of their narrow 34-31 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders, where they allowed quarterback Sam Howell to pass for 290 yards. Despite the win, Philadelphia’s pass defense has struggled this season, ranking 27th in yards allowed and 30th in passing touchdowns.
The Eagles have been adjusting their defensive backfield since losing starting nickel cornerback Avonte Maddox to injury in Week 2. To fill the gap, they have shifted James Bradberry, their starting cornerback, to the nickel role, but this has disrupted their defensive scheme. With Maddox potentially out for the season due to a torn pectoral muscle, the Eagles hope Roby can stabilize the nickel position and allow Bradberry to return to his usual outside role.
Roby, a 31-year-old veteran with nine NFL seasons under his belt, has started 60 of his 126 career games. He won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in the 2015 season and has primarily played as a nickel cornerback, though he has also been a full-time starter in recent seasons. Last year with the New Orleans Saints, Roby posted impressive numbers, allowing a 56.5 quarterback rating when targeted in the slot, ranking fifth among qualifying cornerbacks.
To make room for Roby, the Eagles released linebacker Kyron Johnson from their practice squad. Johnson, a sixth-round draft pick in 2022, appeared in 16 games as a rookie but had not yet seen action this season. His release clears space for Roby’s addition to the roster.