Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Grades

Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive back Byron Maxwell (41) celebrates a play with cornerback Walter Thurmond (28) against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles Sign Byron Maxwell to a six year, $63 Million Deal

The Eagles pass defense was atrocious last season, thanks in large part to their lack luster play at cornerback.

For the past two seasons, the Eagles have opted to go with Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher as their starting corners, which would explain the inconsistent play at corner over the past two seasons.

Maxwell was the top free agent cornerback on the market when the Eagles agreed to a deal with the former Seahawk (Revis hadn’t been released yet) and the Eagles paid him as such.

Maxwell started for the Seahawks over the last two seasons and played well for them during that stretch. Some question if he is worthy of being a team’s top option at corner, but based on his track record, he at least deserves the chance.

Maxwell played across from Richard Sherman for the past two seasons, the least targeted corner in the league, meaning that Maxwell was targeted a lot. Along with that, plenty of teams stuck their second or third receiver on Sherman, to use as a decoy, in order to match their top guy against Maxwell and he was able to play very well in that role.

While the money is a lot, Maxwell can be released after two seasons, which is before his cap hit reaches double digits. This contract is actually a very team friendly deal, making it a very good deal for the Eagles in the short and long-term.

Grade: B+

Eagles Sign Walter Thurmond III to a one year, $3.25 Million Deal

Thurmond was a key member in the Legion of Boom when the Seahawks went on to win the Super Bowl in 2014. Thurmond was the starting slot corner for the Seahawks, but he has proven throughout his career that he can play on the outside.

Thurmond signed a deal with the Giants last season, but he unfortunately tore his pectoral muscle, causing him to miss most of the 2014 season. As the roster is currently constructed, Thurmond will most likely line up across from Maxwell next season.

Thurmond is a physical corner, which is something the Eagles were looking for, who is used to the Eagles scheme, having played in a similar one in Seattle, and it is a low risk-high reward contract.

Solid move by Chip Kelly.

Grade: B