Former Eagles fan favorite flourishing in Minnesota under Vikings DC Brian Flores

Losing rising star cornerback Isaiah Rodgers to NFL free agency was a tough pill to swallow for many Philadelphia Eagles fans.

Still, it’s hard not to feel good seeing him thrive in his new home in Minnesota.

ESPN recently named under-the-radar players from all 32 teams this offseason, and Rodgers was the guy tagged under the Minnesota Vikings. 

Here's what ESPN had to say about Rodgers thriving under defensive coordinator Brian Flores:

Rodgers demonstrated why the Vikings pegged him as a likely starter despite a relatively obscure career since the Colts selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. Rodgers displayed playmaking ability, jumping an out route and intercepting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, while also showing speed as a kickoff returner.

 

It's not clear whether the Vikings will use him as a returner, given the heavy workload he's expected to face as a cornerback. But he has a big fan in defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who said he has been tracking Rodgers since he played at the University of Massachusetts. "He's been a great addition," Flores said. "He's got great football IQ and acumen." -- Kevin Seifert

Rodgers, who inked a two-year deal worth $15 million with Minnesota back in March, left Philly a Super Bowl LIX champion, following an interesting start to his NFL career.

A former 2020 sixth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts, he faced a major setback when he was suspended for the entire 2023 NFL season due to gambling violations and subsequently released by the team. But the Eagles didn’t hesitate to give him a second chance, signing him shortly after his release. Rodgers was reinstated a year later and made his first appearance at an Eagles practice on April 23, 2024.

That year away from football didn’t seem to slow him down.

Despite playing limited snaps on defense during the regular season, Rodgers recorded 26 total tackles, a fumble recovery, one blocked kick, and four passes defended. He stepped up even more in the playoffs, adding six tackles, another fumble recovery, and three more pass breakups -- one of which came against Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl victory.

His 2024 numbers may not jump off the page, but Rodgers' resilience and ability to capitalize on a second chance are commendable. Now, he gets the opportunity to build on that momentum with the Vikings.