Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) – The Philadelphia Eagles announced the
signing of cornerback Byron Maxwell after the NFL’s free agent period got
underway Tuesday.
The Eagles and Maxwell have agreed to terms on a six-year contract, the team
said.
The Philadelphia Inquirer earlier reported that the deal is worth $63 million
and contains $25 million in guaranteed money.
The move came a week after the Eagles released cornerback Cary Williams — who
has signed with Maxwell’s old team, the Seattle Seahawks.
Maxwell was a key piece in a Seattle secondary that surrendered the fewest
passing yards in the league in each of the past two seasons and was considered
a top priority for an Eagles team making sweeping changes.
The 27-year-old was regarded as one of the top available cornerbacks in the
free-agent market.
Philadelphia helped free cap space by trading 2013 NFL rushing champion LeSean
McCoy to Buffalo for linebacker Kiko Alonso and releasing longtime pass rusher
Trent Cole last week.
Maxwell spent each of his first four NFL seasons with Seattle and emerged as a
significant contributor during the team’s 2013 championship run. The Clemson
product came up with four interceptions and 12 passes defensed while making
five starts that season.
He started 12 regular season games this past season opposite All-Pro Richard
Sherman, recording 39 tackles, two interceptions and 12 passes defensed while
helping the Seahawks reach the Super Bowl for a second straight year.
Maxwell joins a Philadelphia defense that also brought in Alonso and re-signed
outside linebacker Brandon Graham to a four-year contract to presumably move
into Cole’s old position full-time.
