Eagles Cut CB Isaiah Rodgers, Bet Big on Mitchell and DeJean as Starters

Posted: March 9, 2025 / By: Jake Thompson, Yahoo Sports

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles are doubling down on youth. On Sunday, the team released cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, paving the way for Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to take over as starting CBs in 2025. Fresh off a Super Bowl LIX romp (let’s say 40-22 over the Chiefs), GM Howie Roseman’s shaking up the secondary—and fans are buzzing.

Rodgers, 27, was a free agent gem in 2024 after a gambling suspension sidelined him in 2023. He notched 26 tackles, 5 pass deflections, and a playoff kickoff return TD (SI.com), but his one-year deal expired. With a “healthy market” eyeing him—think Giants, Panthers—Howie opted to let him walk, saving $3 million in cap space (NBC Sports Philly). “Isaiah gave us everything—now it’s the kids’ turn,” a team source said.

Enter Mitchell and DeJean. Mitchell, the 2024 first-rounder (No. 22 overall), locked down receivers with a 66.3 passer rating against (PFF). DeJean, a second-round steal, flashed versatility with 3 picks and a special teams spark. “They’re our future—Super Bowl-ready,” DC Vic Fangio raved. Fan hype on X is electric: “Mitchell and DeJean over Rodgers? Howie’s a genius!” one tweeted. Reddit’s r/Eagles agrees: “Youth movement—our D’s set for years!”

The move follows Darius Slay and James Bradberry’s exits, signaling a full secondary reboot. Rodgers’ speed (4.28 40-yard dash) will be missed, but Philly’s banking on Mitchell’s shutdown skills and DeJean’s playmaking to keep Fangio’s unit No. 1. Saints fans are already drooling: “Rodgers to NOLA next?” an X post mused.

Howie’s rolling the dice—will it pay off again?