Philadelphia, PA – March 24, 2025, 12:50 PM PDT
Travis Hunter, the star cornerback from Colorado and a projected top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has set his sights on the Philadelphia Eagles, expressing his desire to join the team as their CB1 starter, sources told ESPN on Saturday. The 21-year-old two-way phenom, fresh off a Heisman Trophy-winning senior season, reportedly told reporters at a pre-draft event in Boulder that Philadelphia is his “dream destination” as he prepares to take his talents to the pros.

“I grew up watching the Eagles—those defenses with Slay and Bradberry were tough, physical, and winners,” Hunter said, referencing former Eagles cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry. “I want to be the CB1 for a team like that, leading the secondary and making plays.” The comments come as the Eagles, holding the No. 32 pick, navigate a dire cornerback crisis after losing Slay to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradberry to the Buffalo Bills, Avonte Maddox to the Detroit Lions, and Isaiah Rodgers to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this offseason (web ID: 1, 17). Hunter’s bold declaration could pressure GM Howie Roseman to make a blockbuster move to land the star he needs to anchor the secondary.

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Hunter dazzled in 2024, recording 36 tackles, 11 pass defenses, and 4 interceptions as a cornerback, while also adding 31 receptions for 405 yards and 5 touchdowns as a wide receiver, leading Colorado to a 9-3 record under coach Deion Sanders. His elite coverage skills (passer rating when targeted: 52.3) and versatility have drawn comparisons to Charles Woodson, making him a fan favorite on r/eagles. “Hunter as our CB1? That’s exactly what we need to fix this secondary,” posted u/FlyEaglesFly (web ID: 0).

The Eagles’ secondary is in desperate need of a true CB1 after the offseason exodus, with Quinyon Mitchell—a 2024 first-round pick—and Kelee Ringo currently slotted as the primary outside corners, both still unproven in the role. Roseman has already signed veteran Adoree’ Jackson, but his limited role (5 starts in 2024) underscores the need for a star like Hunter to lead the unit (web ID: 14, 17). With $18.125 million in cap space and the No. 32 pick, the Eagles may need to trade up to secure Hunter, a move Roseman has executed before to land talents like Jalen Carter (web ID: 12).