For cornerbacks already on the Philadelphia Eagles roster at the end of the 2023 season, the 2024 NFL Draft likely wasn’t a highlight. That’s because the Eagles used their first two picks to select college cornerbacks — Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo in the first round (No. 22 overall) and Cooper DeJean from Iowa in the second round (No. 40 overall). Both rookies have shown they could be key building blocks for the team’s secondary for years to come.
While the draft may not have been ideal for the veteran cornerbacks already on the team, the situation since then has been much more favorable. The Eagles are currently 12-2, riding a 10-game win streak, and are in prime position to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The team’s success has also made veteran cornerbacks with expiring contracts attractive free-agent targets for other NFL teams, especially those looking to add experience to their secondary.
One team that could be eyeing a veteran cornerback is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who may have an interest in Philadelphia’s Avonte Maddox, according to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine. Although cornerback is not considered a premium position, Ballentine believes that adding a seasoned player like Maddox could help solidify the Steelers’ depth in the secondary. “Avonte Maddox is a longtime slot defender for the Eagles. He has had his fair share of ups and downs, but there has been more good than bad,” Ballentine wrote. Maddox, who is approaching his age-29 season, has had a solid year, holding opponents to a 76.2 passer rating when targeted. Maddox is currently playing on a one-year, $2 million contract he signed in April 2024.
Maddox’s Toughness and Reputation as a Defender
At just 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, Maddox has earned a reputation as a tenacious, hard-nosed defender. His defensive abilities were first showcased at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a two-time All-ACC selection. Over four seasons, he recorded 183 tackles, 8 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 7 sacks, despite missing four games due to injuries in his final two years.
The Eagles selected Maddox in the fourth round (No. 125 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft after he impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. Since joining the team, he has been a steady and reliable presence on defense. As a rookie, Maddox started 9 games and recorded 2 interceptions. He continued to make an impact, with career highs of 10 pass deflections in 2019 and 73 tackles in 2021, along with 5 tackles for loss.
Maddox’s Contract and Future Prospects
In November 2021, the Eagles rewarded Maddox with a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension. However, injuries have hindered him in recent seasons, with Maddox playing just 9 games in 2022 and only 4 games in 2023 due to a pectoral injury.
To manage the salary cap, the Eagles released Maddox in March 2024, clearing $1.95 million in cap space, only to re-sign him a few weeks later to a new, reduced deal. With his current contract set to expire, Maddox could be in line for a modest pay raise in 2024, with estimates suggesting a one-year deal worth between $3 million and $4 million, should he decide to join a team like the Steelers.
