Byron Maxwell will sign with Eagles, per report

The top cornerback on the market has reportedly found his home for 2015 and beyond. When free agency begins Tuesday, Byron Maxwell is set to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles on a five-year deal worth around $54 million. The news was first reported by Jayson Braddock of SportsTalk 790 radio in Houston and confirmed by Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports.

The least heralded member of the “Legion of Boom” secondary, Maxwell has performed admirably in the shadows of Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and, most significantly, Richard Sherman. Because of Sherman’s presence, opposing teams targeted Maxwell far more than the typical No. 2 cornerback. Still, he held up well, limiting quarterbacks to a 78.5 passer rating on balls thrown in his direction this past season according to Pro Football Focus. Maxwell also intercepted two passes.

Even if he has yet to prove himself as a No. 1 corner, Maxwell will be an instant upgrade for the Eagles, who allowed the second-most yards through the air in 2014. Both of last year’s starting cornerbacks won’t return to Philadelphia. Cary Williams was released last week and Bradley Fletcher will hit free agency.

Part of Maxwell’s appeal is his size. At 6’1, 207 pounds, he is significantly taller and longer than most players at his position. That extra length allows Maxwell to get to balls that most corners can’t. He’s also fairly young for a player hitting free agency, turning 27 shortly after Super Bowl XLIX.

Maxwell entered the league in 2011 as a sixth-round pick. He became a starter in 2013 following Brandon Browner’s suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Since then, Maxwell has played in all but three games.