The Eagles didn’t waste much time turning their preseason opener into a roster move.
After Philadelphia’s 24-7 loss to the Ravens exposed some issues in the secondary, the team announced on social media that it has signed cornerback Isaiah Bolden and released offensive lineman Hollin Pierce.
Bolden arrives with some NFL experience after the New England Patriots made him a seventh-round pick in 2024. He appeared in 14 games that season and finished with 10 tackles, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.
The timing of the move points directly to the state of Philadelphia’s cornerback room. Against Baltimore, the Eagles allowed an 81% completion percentage for 298 yards and one touchdown while coming away with one interception. Mac McWilliams was targeted often and finished with a team-high 10 tackles, while Kelee Ringo had a rough night too, though his interception helped offset some of the damage.
Bolden gives the Eagles another body in a secondary that needs depth, and the move may also be tied to Jakorian Bennett’s injury in the preseason game. Either way, Philadelphia is bringing in another competitor at a spot that clearly needs help.
There’s also a built-in connection that could matter. Bolden already knows Eagles secondary coach Mike Pellegrino from their time together with the Patriots in 2024, and that familiarity could help him get on the field sooner despite joining camp three weeks late.
For Pierce, the cut is a letdown after fans were excited about him last year out of Rutgers. His size made him an intriguing prospect for the offensive line, but he didn’t do enough in the preseason and still has work to do before he can stick.
Roseman doesn’t look finished, either. With two weeks left, the Eagles are expected to keep making additions.
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