Avonte Maddox
‘s time with the Eagles has come to an end. The veteran defensive back has agreed to a one-year deal with the Lions, his agent announced on Friday. 
Maddox joined the Eagles in 2018, and he quickly emerged as a key member of their secondary. The former fourth-rounder handled a snap share between 65% and 75% in each of his first five Philadelphia campaigns. Things took a turn for the worse during the 2023 season, however.
A torn pectoral muscle limited Maddox to just four games that year. Despite one season remaining on his contract, the Eagles released him in cost-shedding move last March as a result. Team and player wound up reuniting , though, and that pact allowed the Pitt alum to play one more campaign as an Eagle. Maddox played in every game for Philadelphia en route to the team’s Super Bowl victory.
That included only three starts on defense, however, and Maddox’s 33% snap share represented by far the lowest mark of his career. Second-round rookie Cooper DeJean took over starting duties in the slot midway through the campaign, a move which left Maddox to shift his attention more to special teams duties. Fellow standout rookie Quinyon Mitchell will be a mainstay along the perimeter for years to come, although Darius Slay ‘s release and subsequent departure has created a first-team vacancy. Maddox’s absence will also be felt in the secondary next year.
The Lions lost Carlton Davis on the open market but brought in D.J. Reed as a starting replacement. The team also has recent draftees Terrion Arnold and Brian Branch in place as long-term pieces in the secondary. Maddox has seen some time at safety in his career, but with Branch and Kerby Joseph set to continue starting there, his best path to playing time in Detroit will likely be as a slot corner.