Eagles Expected to ‘Squeeze’ Young DB Out of Starting Role
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Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles.
It became frighteningly clear after the Philadelphia Eagles fell to the New York Giants Week 6 that Philly can’t keep relying on the combination of Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson as their outside corners.
Jackson was benched after he struggled in coverage early in the season. In his place, the team turned to Ringo, hoping the 2023 fourth-round pick’s athleticism and upside could help stabilize the position. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened — and with Quinyon Mitchell sidelined by a hamstring injury during the 34–17 loss to New York, things only got worse.
When assessing the NFL landscape after Sunday’s slate of games, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell thinks Ringo’s days as a starter are numbered, and the GM Howie Roseman will be looking to trade for his replacement.
“With the deadline just weeks away and that outside cornerback role across from Mitchell and (Cooper) DeJean continuing to be a liability, would anyone be surprised if the Eagles made a move for a veteran cornerback who could step into the lineup at midseason?” Barnwell wrote on October 13. “I’d expect Roseman to be hitting the phones in search of CB help between now and Nov. 4, which would squeeze Ringo out of a starting role.”
Ringo Hasn’t Turned Into a Consistent CB Since Getting Drafted
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo may be heading to the bench soon.
Drafted in the fourth round in 2023, Ringo played in 17 games as a rookie, starting four. He came on late that year, sealing a memorable Christmas win with his first career interception. He was part of the team’s Super Bowl 59 run the following season, although he spent the bulk of his time playing special teams. Now in Year 3, he has yet to show he can be a capable starter — or even a reliable depth piece at CB — and that’s becoming a legit issue.
Through six games and two starts in 2025, Ringo has 15 solo tackles, one pass breakup, a fumble recovery and zero interceptions. His most recent performance against the Giants was particularly concerning. He had two costly penalties, allowing three catches for 69 yards.
Making matters worse is how thin the Eagles have become at cornerback overall. Injuries have gutted the position. Jakorian Bennett is on injured reserve, Jackson’s benching has left him in a rotational role and Mitchell is now dealing with a hamstring issue. Philadelphia recently signed Tariq Castro-Fields to the practice squad, a move that underscores how few reliable options they have left.
That’s why a trade, as Barnwell suggested, could be the only way Roseman can address the situation, at least in a meaningful way.
More on Why Kelee Ringo Will Likely Be Headed to the Philadelphia Eagles Bench
Ringo is still young — he turned 23 in June — so we’re by no means saying Philly should give up on him entirely. But after dropping two straight, the defending champs can’t afford to be cavalier about the cornerback position.
Roseman will likely be on the lookout for a plug-and-play starter who will bump Ringo down the depth chart and bring stability to the secondary. We’ve pitched Browns Pro Bowler Denzel Ward recently, but Philly has other trade options, including Riq Woolen, Rasul Douglas and Alontae Taylor.
Sitting at 4–2, Philadelphia is still undoubtedly in the NFC title race, but Roseman’s going to have to work some more of his magic to stay in the thick of it.
BREAKING: Colts Set Sights on Trade Block as Playoff Push Heats Up
The Indianapolis Colts are built to win now — and GM Chris Ballard could look to add veteran help before the deadline.
After a gritty win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, the Indianapolis Colts showed they can win in every fashion. As this team continues to run through the NFL, a deep run in the playoffs is very much on the table.
With Chris Ballard staring down a Lombardi, he might be looking to attack the trade block in an attempt to patch up this squad, add depth, and get this team ready for January. Ballard has always valued development and draft capital, but this team is too good not to take a swing at a legit game-changer.
Let’s take a look at a few trade candidates that could give this team the depth they need. Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker listed several NFL players who could be on the trade block and suggested the Colts as a possible fit for five of them.
Starting with my favorite, veteran linebacker Jordyn Brooks is sitting on a 1–5 Miami Dolphins team. Even with an unimpressive defense, Brooks still leads the league in tackles through Week 6.
Brooks has only missed two tackle attempts this season. He’s second in sacks among linebackers, and 13th in pass-rush grade among linebackers with a 76.2.
With Brooks in the final year of his two-year deal and Indianapolis’ 35.1 overall PFF grade at linebacker being the lowest in the league, a trade for a solid backer makes perfect sense.
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Locker also floated a few other veteran linebackers as potential fits for Indianapolis, including 36-year-old Demario Davis and the resurging Jamal Adams — both proven leaders who could add stability to the middle of the defense.
Next, Locker suggests possible trades for veteran tight ends Mark Andrews and David Njoku. But with this current Colts offensive firepower and their more pressing defensive needs, it’s hard to see Ballard targeting a skill position.
There are also a couple of players I like that Locker listed on the trade block but didn’t necessarily connect to Indianapolis. One of those players comes from the same struggling Dolphins team that’s likely to be listening to offers.
I like the idea of Ballard going after cornerback Rasul Douglas, who’s currently averaging his best career PFF grade with an 82.2 on the 2025 season.
Douglas holds a 77.9 PFF coverage grade with three pass breakups across 161 coverage snaps, making him a prime candidate for a Colts secondary that ranks 17th in coverage grade through six weeks.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Colts find themselves in a rare position — built to win now, but still improving every week. Ballard has never been one to make splashy trades, but this roster might be good enough to warrant one.
The window is open — and the AFC is there for the taking. If Indianapolis wants to make a serious playoff push, the time to add talent is now.
