Adoree’ Jackson’s Late-Season Surge Gives Eagles a New Look - and a New Offseason Dilemma
For much of the season, the Eagles’ secondary had one glaring question mark: who could lock down the CB2 spot opposite their top corner? Kelee Ringo didn’t quite seize the opportunity when given the chance, and while Cooper DeJean has flashed versatility, shifting him to the outside didn’t exactly stabilize things. It was a revolving door - and not the kind that keeps opposing receivers out.
But over the past few weeks, Adoree’ Jackson has stepped in and flipped the script.
At 30 years old, Jackson looked like a player on the decline earlier this season. He was inconsistent in coverage, and there were real concerns about whether he could hold up as a reliable option down the stretch.
But lately? He’s looked like a completely different player - confident, sharp, and in sync with Vic Fangio’s scheme.
In his last two games, Jackson has allowed just five catches for 44 yards on 10 targets. He’s added an interception and a pass breakup to that stat line - and more importantly, he’s looked sticky in coverage and decisive in his reads. The tape shows a veteran who’s finally playing with trust in his technique and understanding of the system.
A Timely Turnaround - But at What Cost?
Here’s the thing: Jackson’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time for the Eagles’ playoff push. But it might also complicate things when the offseason rolls around.
Earlier in the year, it felt like a foregone conclusion that Jackson would be allowed to walk in free agency. Now?
That decision isn’t so simple. If he keeps playing at this level - and especially if he shows up big in the postseason - there’s a real chance another team with cap space and a need at corner throws a sizable offer his way.
And for the Eagles, who are already looking at long-term investments in young defensive pieces like Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean, it’s fair to wonder if they’ll be able - or even willing - to match whatever number Jackson might command on the open market.
The Human Element
There’s also the question of whether Jackson would want to return. Let’s not forget, the Eagles made it clear earlier this year that they weren’t fully sold on him.
They gave Ringo a shot. They moved DeJean around.
Jackson wasn’t their first answer - he became the fallback plan. And while he’s made the most of it, that kind of message can linger with a veteran player looking for stability and respect.
So while his recent play has been a boost, it might also be Jackson’s audition tape for 31 other teams.
Still Work to Do
Now, let’s not ignore the full body of work. Jackson’s Pro Football Focus grade still sits at 56.9 - which ranks 79th out of 112 eligible cornerbacks.
That’s not the kind of number that screams “must re-sign.” And one interception on the year isn’t going to tilt the scale too far in his favor.
But with three regular-season games left and a playoff run ahead, there’s still time for Jackson to strengthen his case. If he continues to play at this level - or even elevates further under the bright lights - he could force the Eagles to reconsider their future plans at the position.
A Secondary in Flux
What’s clear is that this team can’t afford more uncertainty in the secondary. Reed Blankenship has had his share of struggles, and while the Eagles know what they’re getting from DeJean and rookie Quinyon Mitchell, they can’t afford to have another liability on the back end. That’s what made Jackson’s turnaround so crucial - and why his future is now one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the offseason.
The Eagles haven’t been quite as dominant as they were a year ago, but they’re still very much in the mix. And if Jackson can continue to hold down his side of the field, he might just help this team make a deep run - even if it ends up being his last in midnight green.
Come April, don’t be surprised if the Eagles are back in the market for a corner in the 2026 NFL Draft. Whether Jackson’s resurgence is enough to change that plan remains to be seen. But for now, he’s giving this defense exactly what it needs - and giving the front office something to think about.