It became frighteningly clear after the Philadelphia Eagles fell to the New York Giants Week 6 that Philly can’t keep relying on the combination of Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson as their outside corners.
Jackson was benched after he struggled in coverage early in the season. In his place, the team turned to Ringo, hoping the 2023 fourth-round pick’s athleticism and upside could help stabilize the position. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened — and with Quinyon Mitchell sidelined by a hamstring injury during the 34–17 loss to New York, things only got worse.
When assessing the NFL landscape after Sunday’s slate of games, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell thinks Ringo’s days as a starter are numbered, and the GM Howie Roseman will be looking to trade for his replacement.
“With the deadline just weeks away and that outside cornerback role across from Mitchell and (Cooper) DeJean continuing to be a liability, would anyone be surprised if the Eagles made a move for a veteran cornerback who could step into the lineup at midseason?” Barnwell wrote on October 13. “I’d expect Roseman to be hitting the phones in search of CB help between now and Nov. 4, which would squeeze Ringo out of a starting role.”
Ringo Hasn’t Turned Into a Consistent CB Since Getting Drafted
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo may be heading to the bench soon.
Drafted in the fourth round in 2023, Ringo played in 17 games as a rookie, starting four. He came on late that year, sealing a memorable Christmas win with his first career interception. He was part of the team’s Super Bowl 59 run the following season, although he spent the bulk of his time playing special teams. Now in Year 3, he has yet to show he can be a capable starter — or even a reliable depth piece at CB — and that’s becoming a legit issue.
Through six games and two starts in 2025, Ringo has 15 solo tackles, one pass breakup, a fumble recovery and zero interceptions. His most recent performance against the Giants was particularly concerning. He had two costly penalties, allowing three catches for 69 yards.
Making matters worse is how thin the Eagles have become at cornerback overall. Injuries have gutted the position. Jakorian Bennett is on injured reserve, Jackson’s benching has left him in a rotational role and Mitchell is now dealing with a hamstring issue. Philadelphia recently signed Tariq Castro-Fields to the practice squad, a move that underscores how few reliable options they have left.
That’s why a trade, as Barnwell suggested, could be the only way Roseman can address the situation, at least in a meaningful way.
More on Why Kelee Ringo Will Likely Be Headed to the Philadelphia Eagles Bench
Ringo is still young — he turned 23 in June — so we’re by no means saying Philly should give up on him entirely. But after dropping two straight, the defending champs can’t afford to be cavalier about the cornerback position.
Roseman will likely be on the lookout for a plug-and-play starter who will bump Ringo down the depth chart and bring stability to the secondary. We’ve pitched Browns Pro Bowler Denzel Ward recently, but Philly has other trade options, including Riq Woolen, Rasul Douglas and Alontae Taylor.
Sitting at 4–2, Philadelphia is still undoubtedly in the NFC title race, but Roseman’s going to have to work some more of his magic to stay in the thick of it.
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