Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been excellent at identifying talent during his lengthy tenure with the team, which directly led to their Super Bowl run last season. And he made a controversial move on Monday, signing former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.
The NFL cracked down heavily this offseason on gambling within the sport. Ten players have been issued suspensions this offseason alone for gambling.
Rodgers was one of those ten players, receiving one of the more lengthy suspensions handed out. He is currently indefinitely suspended from the league after it was revealed that Rodgers placed over 100 bets on NFL games in the 2022 season. At least one of those bets was directly on the Colts, as he placed a “player prop” on a Colts running back.
It is still possible that he may never play in the NFL again. That will be determined when Rodgers is eligible to petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
If he does indeed play again, it seems like it may be for the Philadelphia Eagles. It was announced on Monday that the Eagles have signed Rodgers, and subsequently placed him on the Reserve/Suspended list.
Eagles have signed CB Isaiah Rodgers, who was subsequently placed on the Reserve/Suspended list and Waived DT Noah Elliss with an injury settlement. pic.twitter.com/ArE3Iew44W
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 28, 2023
Fans took notice of this move and were extremely mixed about it. Some thought that it was a brilliant move, while others brought up the morality of the signing.
Isaiah Rodgers will not count on the #Eagles roster this season, but he's now officially going to be with them once the league reinstates him, which is likely to happen next year.
A low risk, potentially high reward move by Philadelphia. https://t.co/Lnqb0ohEbs
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 28, 2023
Isaiah Rodgers brings some return experience as well. Good stash move by Howie. pic.twitter.com/30fI3tO2zk
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) August 28, 2023
#Eagles sign CB/Returner Isaiah Rodgers who is suspended for 2023
Rodgers, 25 if reinstated next year gives eagles a young DB with potential #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/f2wCm0GZ6K
— All About The Birds (@AATBirds) August 28, 2023
Isaiah Rodgers was PFF's 5th highest-graded cornerback last season. And he's only 25 years old.
The Eagles culture is the perfect spot for him after he serves his suspension. Good work, Howie. pic.twitter.com/6j90vDp44Q
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) August 28, 2023
Howie was like, “wait this guy is good and just available for free and not some completely deplorable person despite the suspension?” https://t.co/2yqbw4kMCD
— nation of (@NationOfEagles) August 28, 2023
This is a no-brainer, high upside signing. He won’t play this season but doesn’t count against the final 53-man roster. Was graded very highly last year as a starter for Indy. Also brings juice on special teams especially as an effective returner. Love it. https://t.co/Vkn2eJxxJg
— Christian Zwick (@Zwick_Christian) August 28, 2023
Rodgers came into his own last season in Indianapolis, starting nine games at cornerback for the Colts. He was extremely effective in his appearances, receiving the fifth-highest grade at his position last year by Pro Football Focus.
Isaiah Rodgers had a 82.1 PFF grade last season. This was the 5th highest out of all CBs in the NFL.
Great stash by Howie. Low risk, super high reward.
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) August 28, 2023
This move by Roseman is a high-upside signing that really has very little downside. And if he is able to return next year, he could be an immediate contributor to an already excellent Eagles defense.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.