The Eagles Add Cornerback Depth
The Philadelphia Eagles recently announced the signing of free agent cornerback Jimmy Moreland. This signing shows that Howie Roseman and the Eagles are fully committed at building a contending team. Moreland will join a defensive backfield that already has star players Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
Jimmy Moreland was a standout player in college and has NFL experience. Will he make an impact for the Eagles this season?
Moreland’s College Career
Jimmy Moreland was born on August 26, 1995, in Belle Glade, Florida. He played his college ball at James Madison University in Virginia.
Moreland was one of the top freshman cornerbacks in the nation during his freshman year in college. He started 12 games and recorded 47 tackles, three interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. He was one of the finalists for the Jerry Rice Award which recognizes a top college freshman football player.
Jimmy Moreland was not able to play the 2015 season due to February 2015 petty theft charge. He returned in 2016 and had 37 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups. Moreland improved in his junior year with 68 tackles, eight interceptions, and 14 pass breakups. This earned him First-Team All-League honors.
Moreland was among college football’s best defenders during his senior year in 2018. He finished the season with 56 tackles, five interceptions, and ten pass breakups. Moreland received all-FCS honors and First-Team Colonial League Honors. He set school records with 18 interceptions and six interceptions returned for a touchdown throughout his college career.
NFL Career
Washington drafted Jimmy Moreland in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He started five games and played in 12 during his rookie season. Moreland recorded 42 tackles and four pass breakups as a rookie.
Moreland was the starting cornerback in Washington’s Week One season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. He had a 32-yard interception return as Washington fought back from an early 17-point deficit. Moreland played every defensive snap and had six tackles. Washington scored 27 unanswered points to win the game 27-17.
Moreland only made four more starts over the remainder of the 2020 season. He finished the season with 44 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. He was waived by Washington right before the start of the 2021 season but was quickly picked up by the Houston Texans.
Jimmy Moreland spent the majority of the 2021 season on the Texans practice squad. He only appeared in two games in which he had two tackles. Moreland was released by Houston on May 20, 2022.
How Will He Fit In Philly?
The Philadelphia Eagles claimed Jimmy Moreland off waivers on May 23, 2022. He is in the final year of his rookie contract which will pay him $2.5 million this upcoming season.
Moreland will join an Eagles secondary that has already improved from last season. Cornerback James Bradberry signed a one-year deal with the Eagles and will be paired with 2021 Pro-Bowler Darius Slay as the team’s starting corners. The Eagles also have Avonte Maddox who will be the slot corner.
Outside of the three obvious starters the Eagles will need depth but have plenty of choices available. Andre Chachere, Craig James, Mac McCain, Zech McPhearson, Kary Vincent, Josiah Scott, and Tay Gowan (who came over in the Zach Ertz trade) are all returning to the Eagles with some experience. Josh Blackwell, Mario Goodrich, and Josh Jobe are undrafted free agents who are also competing for a roster spot.
Jimmy Moreland will have an opportunity to compete with these guys to help make the Eagles better. He is not likely to make an impact right away, but his experience could come in handy during the season. Moreland has NFL experience which could give him an edge at getting a roster spot. He is a low-risk pickup for the Eagles with the potential to be a high reward if called upon.