Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Reveals Truth About Isaiah Rodgers Decision Before Vikings Game

The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a bit of a tough spot heading into Week 7. After suffering a pair of losses to the Denver Broncos and New York Giants in consecutive weeks, the Eagles suddenly find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare for their upcoming matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

After getting hit by a slew of key departures over the offseason, Philadelphia is hurting right now, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. One guy the Eagles let leave in free agency was cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who has enjoyed a star turn with the Vikings to start the season. Ahead of this matchup, head coach Nick Sirianni kept it real when discussing Rodgers’ departure from Philly.

Nick Sirianni Opens Up on Isaiah Rodgers’ Departure from the Eagles

The Eagles are dealing with several notable injuries on the defensive side of the ball, but one area that has been struggling, even before all the injuries, is the secondary. That’s because several key cornerbacks, such as Rodgers, ended up leaving in free agency, and the front office failed to properly replace them.

In 2024, Rodgers played a depth role at cornerback for Philadelphia, appearing in 15 games, three of which were starts. During his time on the field, Rodgers racked up 26 tackles, four pass deflections, and one fumble forced. In search of a bigger role, though, he ended up signing a two-year, $15 million contract with Minnesota in free agency.

Rodgers has started all five games for the Vikings at cornerback, picking up 19 tackles, one interception, two pass deflections, and two fumbles forced. Rodgers also has a pair of touchdowns, having returned his lone interception and a fumble to the end zone. Simply put, he’s been precisely the sort of player the Eagles are missing, and ahead of their meeting with the Vikings, Sirianni admitted that he wished the team could have found a way to re-sign Rodgers.

“When you have the success that we were able to have last year, it’s hard to say bye to guys … but that’s the reality of this business,” Sirianni said of Rodgers’ leaving for the Vikings in free agency. “Guys’ contracts are up; you can only get so many of them back. And that’s what makes this league so great, the parity … All our guys, when you go through special things with them, you have a connection with all the guys, so you hate to see any of them leave.”

Nick Sirianni, Eagles Still Struggling to Replace Isaiah Rodgers

GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 21: Isaiah Rodgers #2 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

While Philadelphia also let Darius Slay leave this offseason, Rodgers could have conceivably been re-signed on a cheap deal, and as he’s shown with Minnesota, he could have filled in as a starter alongside Quinyon Mitchell. Instead, the Eagles have been forced to rely on a combination of Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo, and to this point, both of them have been awful.

Rodgers will look to further prove the Eagles wrong for letting him walk in free agency when he squares off against them in Week 7. Philly’s pass offense has not been particularly good through six games, so they will likely be looking to attack Rodgers and the Vikings’ secondary in an effort to generate some positive momentum. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.

Jarren Duran Praises 9-Year-Old Zayin Berry for Heroic Act of Saving Abused Cat: 'True Example of Courage and Compassion'

Yuma, AZ - October 15, 2025 - Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has publicly praised 9-year-old Zayin Berry of Yuma, Arizona, for his courageous act of saving a cat from abuse at a local skatepark. Berry, who recently earned the title of "ASPCA Kid of the Year," traded his own skateboard to ensure the safety of a helpless animal, a gesture that has earned him widespread admiration.

"I've heard a lot about Zayin's incredible act, and I think it's just amazing," Duran said in an emotional statement. "For a young kid to step up like that, to make such a selfless decision to help an animal in need, it really shows the kind of courage and heart he has. Zayin is a true example of kindness in action."

The incident occurred when Zayin spotted a cat being abused at the skatepark. Without hesitation, Zayin traded his beloved skateboard to the abuser in exchange for the cat's freedom, later naming the cat "Peaches" after ensuring its safety. The young boy's selfless actions not only saved the cat's life but also brought attention to the importance of compassion and standing up for those who cannot protect themselves.

"I just wanted to make sure Peaches was okay," Zayin said in a statement. "I knew I had to help her, so I gave up my skateboard. It felt like the right thing to do."

Duran, who has been an advocate for community service and positive role models, shared his admiration for Zayin's bravery. "It's people like Zayin who make the world better," Duran added. "He didn't think twice about doing what was right, even if it meant giving something important to him. That's the kind of character we need more of."

Zayin's actions have inspired not only the local community in Yuma but also countless others who have learned about his heroic gesture. His willingness to sacrifice something he valued to help an innocent animal serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and standing up for what is right.

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