Philadelphia, PA – April 27, 2025 – The Philadelphia Eagles reeled as cornerback Rasul Douglas inked a one-year, $2.5 million deal with NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys. The defection, a dagger to Philly fans, strengthens Dallas’ secondary while leaving Jalen Hurts’ defense exposed.
Rasul Douglas, a 2017 third-round pick, turned traitor in the eyes of Eagles Nation. After losing Darius Slay and James Bradberry, Philly’s secondary, with rookies Andrew Mukuba and Mac McWilliams, needed veteran grit. Dallas swooped in, escalating the rivalry.
“Douglas brings savvy,” Cowboys GM Jerry Jones said. “He’ll anchor our backend against passers like Hurts.” Dallas, thin after losing Stephon Gilmore and Jourdan Lewis, sees Douglas as a cornerstone opposite DaRon Bland.
Douglas, 30, started 15 games for Buffalo in 2024, logging 58 tackles, five passes defended, and a forced fumble. His 59.2 PFF grade ranked low, but 19 career interceptions and 79 passes defended over 120 games highlight his knack for big plays.
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“It’s a betrayal,” NFL analyst Bucky Brooks said. “Douglas joining Dallas could haunt Philly in NFC East showdowns.” His knowledge of Vic Fangio’s scheme, from 2017-2020 with the Eagles, adds insult to injury.
With Saquon Barkley’s $37.75 million deal and A.J. Brown’s extension looming, Howie Roseman leaned on draft picks like Mukuba and Xavier Watts. Douglas’ exit, amid a $60 million cap, limits Philly’s options, while Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb trade rumors amplify his value.
The Eagles’ secondary, reliant on Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, faces uncertainty. Douglas, once a Super Bowl LII champion, now dons Cowboys colors, potentially tilting divisional clashes with his playbook insight.
Eagles fans fume as Douglas strengthens a hated foe. His move threatens Hurts’ 2025 Super Bowl repeat, making NFC East battles fiercer as Dallas leverages his experience to challenge Philly’s throne.
