Philadelphia’s 2018 draft pick is heading back to his hometown.
Avonte Maddox is leaving the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency to sign a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions, according to Maddox’s partner’s Instagram story.
Maddox, who actually has a Lions tattoo on his arm, is returning to his hometown of Detroit.
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Maddox’s departure from the Eagles certainly comes as no surprise.
REVIEW: Maddox began the season as the Eagles’ nickel cornerback. Teams clearly picked on him from the jump, which eventually led to DeJean replacing him in the slot. Maddox then saw some occasional snaps as the dime cornerback but he even struggled in those appearances, leading to him losing that role as well. Maddox did move up the depth chart as a backup safety option later in the season. Maddox also did have a cool redemption moment with a huge fourth down pass breakup on a Patrick Mahomes pass in Super Bowl LIX. One play later, Jalen Hurts hit DeVonta Smith for the dagger that gave the Eagles a 34 to 0 lead.
OUTLOOK: Maddox, who turns 29 this month, is set to be a free agent. If the Eagles want to bring him back on the veteran minimum to compete for a roster spot, fine. He’s a well-liked guy in the locker room and he gives good effort. But bringing him back will hardly be a priority.
We’ll see if Maddox ends up making the Lions’ roster. If he does, he could return to Lincoln Financial Field for Detroit’s game against the Eagles in 2025.
The Eagles originally selected Maddox with a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He made 41 starts in 81 games played during a seven-year stretch. He struggled with injury issues and his best football seems to be behind him at this point but he was once a quality slot defender and always a good locker room guy to have around.
Best wishes to Maddox, forever an Eagles Super Bowl champion, moving forward.
The Eagles will need to find a new backup nickel cornerback in 2025. Adoree’ Jackson could contend for that role if he’s not already starting on the outside.
