Orlando

Scandrick

Scandrick forced two fumbles and had a scoop-and-score touchdown in his Eagles debut in Week 5, but was quickly relegated to backup status over the past two weeks as the team’s CB room got a bit healthier. The 32-year-old CB is nothing more than a depth piece at this point in his career.

This isn’t the CB news that Eagles fans were hoping for, but Scandrick should at least be able to provide some depth to a secondary that is in dire need of capable corners. Scandrick spent the entire preseason with the Eagles, so he should be fairly up to speed on the scheme ahead of next week’s matchup against the Jets.

Scandrick is back on the tryout circuit after failing to make an impression during his month-long tenure with Philadelphia. The veteran has been a nomad since leaving Dallas, enduring stints with the Redskins, Chiefs and Eagles over the past two years. Though undeniably on the decline, Scandrick is still a starting-caliber NFL talent, as he proved last season by garnering PFF’s No. 35 coverage grade out of 123 qualifiers at cornerback. Even if it’s not with Houston, he should land on his feet in relatively short order.

It’s a mild surprise, but also an indication of the Eagles’ improved health in the secondary. Now 32, Scandrick didn’t embarrass himself for the Chiefs last season. He’ll get workouts.

The Eagles were epically banged up in the secondary last season, and neither Jalen Mills nor Ronald Darby have resumed practicing. Cre’von LeBlanc is out multiple weeks with a sprained foot. Longtime Cowboy Scandrick had an acceptable year for the Chiefs in 2018. Capable of playing both inside and out, Scandrick is a solid insurance policy.

The Eagles dealt with cornerback injury after cornerback injury last season, so perhaps they are just compiling their emergency list. After nine years with the Cowboys, Scandrick had a hit and miss 2018 season with the Chiefs. He has both slot and outside corner experience.

32-year-old Scandrick played 796 snaps for the Chiefs last season and earned plus marks from Pro Football Focus, grading out as their No. 35 cover corner out of 123 qualifiers. Scandrick played outside in K.C. but has mostly been a slot corner in the latter stages of his career. Vikings CB Holton Hill is suspended for eight games.

“Wouldn’t dare go back there again and try to do better with a different player or different money,” Jones said. “We think that much of him. He’s that important to us for our future.” A slot corner being paid like a starter, Scandrick struggled mightily when asked to play outside.

Along with the releases of Terence Newman and David Buehler, the Cowboys have freed up $15.82 million following Monday’s cap hit from the league office. Scandrick will take $5.9 million of his $7.1 million salary in the form of a signing bonus. Free’s base salary dropped from $6 million to $1.2 million, with the difference coming in a signing bonus.

Newman is under contract through 2014, but was a major liability in both man and zone coverage all season. Nickel corner Orlando Scandrick is a candidate to move into a starting role.