The Philadelphia Eagles continue to tinker with the cornerback position, but with the added element of doing so internally. Instead of going out and signing a big free agent, the team has come to terms with one of their own on a new contract. Ron Brooks isn't earning more money next season with the team, though -- instead, he's taking less to hang on to his roster spot.
Taking a pay cut
According to ESPN's Field Yates, Brooks will take a pay cut that drops his salary from $1.85 million to just $1 million this season. Additionally, the amended contract will make 2018 an option year, meaning either he or the Eagles could get out of the contract then if they choose to do so.
That was likely put in place after a season where a crippling knee injury changed the trajectory of the cornerback's career.
In Week 7, Brooks ruptured the quadriceps tendon in his right leg, effectively ending his season. He still is not fully recovered from that injury over months later. Before the injury, he was playing as a nickel cornerback for the Eagles in his first year of a three-year deal following his time with the Buffalo Bills. He was expected to play a key role under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz; instead, he has become part of the team's nightmare situation in the defensive backfield.
Cornerback woes
The Eagles have a lot of issues at cornerback right now. Brooks, their nickel cornerback, has his injury concerns that could carry into next season.
The team released Leodis McKelvin and watched as Nolan Carroll defected to the rival Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Thin would be an understatement at the position for this team right now.
With free agency winding down, Philadelphia will likely have to look to the 2017 NFL Draft to find cornerbacks to develop for the future.
As it stands right now, Jalen Mills and Patrick Robinson are projected to be the team's starters at the beginning of next season. It's unclear right now if Brooks will play a role, but with his new contract, the answer is likely a yes.
