Former Pitt CB Avonte Maddox is Where He Needed to Be

Avonte Maddox just missed out on the Eagles’ first Super Bowl win, but he was there for the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the first time around. It’s different this time around.

This time feels right — not too early, not too late. Maddox and the Eagles have a new opportunity.

Maddox was drafted a few months after the Eagles knocked off the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII and has spent his entire career with the Eagles — including the loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. He’s felt the sting, and that heartbreak is part of the reason he decided to come back before the season.

Maddox signed a 1-year deal with the Eagles in April, after being released in March, and while he could’ve tested free agency and looked for more money, he felt like Philadelphia is where he belonged.

“Just felt more comfortable here,” Maddox told Pittsburgh Sports Now at Super Bowl LIX Media in New Orleans. “It was an opportunity for me to go out and see what’s out there, but it felt like my heart and soul were still telling me to come back here. I’m happy I chose that option.”

Maddox isn’t a starter this season, but he’s healthy. And that’s big. He battled through injuries throughout the 2022 season, returning just in time to record seven tackles in Super Bowl LII, and he played in just four games in the 2023 season as he dealt with additional injuries.

The Eagles decided to address cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite Maddox re-signing a couple of weeks beforehand, and it’s paid off. Quinyon Mitchell (first round) and Cooper DeJean (second round) have given the secondary a spark. Maddox has taken the backseat to the youngsters, but he’s happy to do what he can to help.

“They’re funny, not even just about football but personality,” Maddox said. “They’re always talking and laughing and have jokes. But as football players, they’re almost like vets. They have millions of questions, and I’m always willing to answer. And they don’t the same mistakes, that’s one thing I’ve noticed about them, and that’s the good thing about them. Those guys are quick learners and that shows on the field.”

DeJean has taken over that slot role from Maddox, excelling in his rookie season, but it hasn’t diminished Maddox’s confidence. He’s confident — as are the young cornerbacks rising before him.

“I can try to help as much as I can, but that’s something you have within you, and they both have it,” Maddox said. “I feel like DB, growing up as a DB, you kind of build as your career goes on, and by the time you reach the NFL, your confidence is there and you just gotta make sure you can keep it.”

The Eagles’ defense isn’t a juggernaut, but it is a stout unit. There are stars at all three levels, and the unit will be tasked with stopping Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes from completing the first three-peat in NFL history.

Maddox played 345 defensive snaps in the regular season, serving as that No. 4 corner behind Mitchell, DeJean and Darius Slay, and in a somewhat limited opportunity, he recorded 20 tackles (nine solo) and five pass breakups. According to PFF, he held opposing quarterbacks to 53% completion and a 78.6 passer rating.

He probably won’t be called upon much in the Super Bowl, with just seven defensive snaps over the last three games, but he’s confident. If he’s called upon against Mahomes and the Chiefs, he knows what he’s capable of. He’s certainly not lacking in confidence, not with the support system around him.

Maddox felt like the Eagles had every piece a team would need on paper, when he chose to re-sign in April, and it’s showing on the field.

“When I got here they had just won the Super Bowl, and as you can see, this franchise has been very good,” Maddox said. “I’m just happy to be a part of that. So, just coming here and then reaching the Super Bowl and then having the opportunity to get back after we lost our first one, it shows you you can get back and we have the team to do it. And this year we have a great year and can do it again.”

The Super Bowl is within reach for Maddox and the Eagles, and he realizes that. And while he’s not getting ahead of himself, there’s a long way to go in dethroning the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champs, he’s excited for the opportunity.

“I try to take it step by step, day by day, but right now we have the opportunity to do that, and I would love to wear the ring and hold the trophy,” Maddox said.

Alan Saunders contributed to this report from New Orleans, La.