Eagles Are Releasing Veteran Cornerback Orlando Scandrick

For the second straight week, the Eagles are releasing a veteran who had been playing a major role on defense. 

Last week, it was linebacker Zach Brown. This week, it's nickel cornerback Orlando Scandrick, a league source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia. NFL Network first reported Scandrick was being cut. 

While Scandrick, 32, certainly didn't play well against the Cowboys, he did start and play 51 percent (36 snaps) of their defensive snaps in Sunday Night's 37-10 loss. Scandrick was signed on Sept. 27 and played just three games for the Eagles. Brown last week was cut the day after he played 58 snaps. 

It's not a great sign that the Eagles have cut veteran defensive players the day after blowout losses in consecutive weeks. It's an even worse sign that both were playing a significant role. 

The Scandrick move is curious because it's not like the Eagles are flush with cornerback talent. Now, their two corners with the most experience at the nickel corner spot are Avonte Maddox and Sidney Jones. 

Jones on Sunday was healthy but the Eagles played Craig James ahead of him, which was the plan, according to Doug Pederson. Jones, the former second-round pick, has struggled mightily this season. 

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And Maddox is still in the concussion protocol from a friendly fire hit from Andrew Sendejo in the Green Bay game on Sept. 26. That injury is what led to the Eagles' signing Scandrick in the first place. So the fact that they're willing to release Scandrick before Maddox is back is strange. 

Last year's nickel cornerback, Cre'Von LeBlanc (foot), could be nearing a return from IR, but he still won't be eligible to return until Week 9 against Chicago. That doesn't help this week against Buffalo.

 

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