Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants offense will have their work cut out for them against the Philadelphia Eagles uber-rich pass defense in 2026.
The Eagles had three cornerbacks land on the top-10 list of NFL's best cornerbacks, according to league executives that was compiled by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
The Eagles have had a top-8 pass defense in each of the past two seasons, and football czar Howie Roseman made their DBs unit even stronger by signing Riq Woolen in the offseason.
Woolen appeared on the list in the "others receiving votes category," while Philadelphia's lockdown corner Quinyon Mitchell (No. 6) and slot corner/safety Cooper DeJean (No. 10) were on the main portion.
The Giants will, as always, take on the Eagles twice in 2026. John Harbaugh's team will take on the Eagles in Week 9 at Lincoln Financial Field -- after New York's bye in Week 8 -- before hosting Philadelphia in Week 18 at MetLife Stadium.
The Eagles Have Two Top-10 CBs
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Woolen's addition from the world-champion Seattle Seahawks gives Philadelphia three of the top-23 cornerbacks in the league, with DeJean and Mitchell landing on the top-10 list.
Mitchell has 29 passes deflected but zero interceptions in his two seasons since the Eagles chose him 22nd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But the only thing keeping him from elite status is his inability to catch interceptions.
"Sticky man-to-man guy," a veteran defensive coach told Fowler. "He's tough. Plays smart in big moments. Connected at the point of attack, which is one of the hardest things to ask for on a consistent basis. Will continue to get better and better."
DeJean is on the list despite his reported position move to safety, since he will play slot corner as well when teams like the Giants get in passing formations.
"He holds his own at any position, on the inside or outside," a veteran NFC coach told Fowler. "He's a corner because of the way he plays. [The Eagles] play a lot of man, and he ain't shying away from nothing. He has the range and speed to play outside all day, too. He's a Swiss Army knife."
Not to be outdone, the rival Dallas Cowboys also have a player amid the top-23 corners in Daron Bland.
The Giants Passing Offense is its Weakness
The Giants have had a hard time passing the ball against Vic Fangio's defense since he took over in 2024, and they may again this year.
Dart and the Giants defeated the Eagles at home but put up 174 rushing yards in their 34-17 win Oct. 9 at MetLife Stadium. But they managed just 186 passing yards per game against the Eagles, with since-departed wideout Wan'Dale Robinson leading New York in both games.
The Giants' pass offense will be a major question again in 2026, especially with uncertainty surrounding wideout Malik Nabers' still-lingering knee injury.
