Eagles eyeing Atlanta’s Mike Ford Jr. as potential cornerback boost amidst trade whispers and playoff aspirations
The Philadelphia Eagles are once again at the center of trade discussions as they look to bolster their roster ahead of a crucial playoff push. With their aggressive front office known for making impactful moves, speculation is swirling around the potential acquisition of cornerback Mike Ford Jr. from the Atlanta Falcons.
Eagles’ Recent Additions
The Eagles have already made significant strides this season, acquiring running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars and signing veteran linebacker Za’Darius Smith through free agency. Smith has made an immediate impact, registering a half-sack and four tackles in just two games. Although his snap count has been modest—33.3 percent in Week 2 and 36.4 percent in Week 3—his presence has been felt on the field.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Eagles are expected to remain active in the market. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler hinted recently that the team “might not be done” in their quest to strengthen the cornerback position. With injuries likely playing a pivotal role in their decisions, the Eagles’ general manager, Howie Roseman, is known for his proactive approach to roster enhancement.
Addressing Cornerback Needs
The Eagles find themselves in a precarious position regarding depth at cornerback. With significant losses in the offseason—including defensive backs C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, and James Bradberry—the team is in desperate need of reinforcements. Although promising young players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are on the roster, the depth behind them and Adoree Jackson could be vulnerable this season.
Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints has identified Mike Ford Jr. as a viable trade target. At 30 years old, Ford is an eight-year NFL veteran who has previously played for teams such as the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, and the Falcons. The Falcons, currently sitting at 1-2 for the season, may be open to trading him, given their young cornerback depth.
Ford’s Performance and Potential Impact
While Ford may not be a household name, his statistics reflect a player capable of contributing to a playoff-contending team. Throughout his career, he has held opposing quarterbacks to a 62.4 percent completion rate on 101 targets, allowing just nine touchdowns in coverage over eight seasons. This kind of reliability could provide the Eagles with much-needed support in the secondary.
As the NFL trade deadline looms on November 4th, the potential move for Ford represents a realistic opportunity for the Eagles. While the NFL landscape is often filled with speculative noise, this trade could yield tangible benefits for Philadelphia as they eye a deeper playoff run.
The Eagles’ front office is known for bold decisions, and keeping an eye on players like Mike Ford Jr. could be the strategic move they need to solidify their playoff aspirations. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for any developments regarding potential trades.
