According to a report from ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Eagles are signing cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman to a one-year deal. He’ll compete for the Eagles nickel corner position heading into camp.
Robey-Coleman started as the Los Angeles Rams nickel corner from 2017 through 2019. During that time, the nickel corner recorded 122 total tackles, 20 pass defensed, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. He also got away with the infamous pass interference no-call against the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFC Championship game.
Robey-Coleman played under Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in 2014 when he was a member of the Buffalo Bills’ coaching staff, so there is some familiarity there.
Last season, Robey-Coleman finished the year with a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.5, along with a coverage grade of 74.1, good for 16th in the NFL among corners.
The Eagles now have quite a few bodies competing for the nickel position. Along with Robey-Coleman, the team also has Avonte Maddox and Cre’Von LeBlanc competing for the spot. It’s still a bit unclear how the coaching staff views this group right now, or if these are the three they even want to compete for this spot.
This move still leaves the no. 2 corner spot open opposite of Darius Slay. By default, Sidney Jones figures to fill that hole, with Jalen Mills transitioning to safety and Rasul Douglas reportedly on the trading block.
Regardless, this acquisition should still help this secondary. Aside from Slay and Rodney McLeod, every position in the secondary is up for grabs. It should be fun watching these guys compete against each other in camp.
2 comments