The Philadelphia Eagles and GM Howie Roseman are always staying ahead of the curve, so with Ronald Darby on a one-year, the Birds added some security to the depth chart. The Eagles announced on Labor Day, that Cre’Von LeBlanc has been inked to a one-year contract extension.
With the talented cornerback locked up until 2020, here are four takeaways from the announcement.
1. LeBlanc is insurance for Ronald Darby
Darby is the most talented cornerback on the roster, and if not for a torn ACL suffered last season, he’d probably be one of the highest-paid at his position in the NFL. He’d also likely be on another team. Darby re-signed for $8.9 million this year and once again will test free agency. Howie Roseman just ensured that depth was still in place if such a thing were to happen.
2. LeBlanc is a cornerstone of the Eagles secondary
He may not be the most talented player on the bounty corner, but LeBlanc brings a physicality and toughness that several of his teammates are lacking. LeBlanc was a glue for the Eagles last season down the stretch, helping the Birds earn a spot in the playoffs. In eight regular-season games with the Eagles, LeBlanc had 32 tackles and five pass breakups in 351 snaps.
3. LeBlanc will put off free agency for one season
With LeBlanc set to miss a good part of the 2019 season with a foot injury, he’s betting on himself in 2020. The Eagles added some more money into the extension after LeBlanc was set to earn only $720,000 this season.
4. LeBlanc gives Eagles dynamic slot-CB duo
LeBlanc and Avonte Maddox give the Eagles one of the premiere slot cornerback duos in the NFL. During the playoffs, LeBlanc was the highest-graded overall cornerback in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. They can rotate both players in at the nickel-corner position, or because of Maddox’s versatility, the Eagles have the depth and athleticism to play both guys together, making it even harder for opposing offenses to complete anything over the middle.
