The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their defense by adding veteran safety **Caden Sterns** to their active roster ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Sterns, known for his experience and versatility in the secondary, is expected to provide a significant boost to the Eagles’ defense as they prepare to face the Browns’ offense. His presence will add depth and skill to Philadelphia’s defensive backfield, enhancing their ability to cover opposing wide receivers and tighten up their pass defense.
This move could prove critical as the Eagles look to maintain their strong performance this season.
Caden Sterns is a promising young safety who entered the NFL after being drafted by the **Denver Broncos** in the fifth round of the **2021 NFL Draft** out of the University of Texas. Here are some of his notable stats from his first few seasons in the NFL:
### **NFL Career Stats (2021 – 2023)**
– **Games Played:** 20 games (with 5 starts)
– **Total Tackles:** 49 tackles (32 solo, 17 assisted)
– **Interceptions:** 4 interceptions
– **Passes Defended:** 4 passes defended
– **Sacks:** 2 sacks
– **Tackles for Loss (TFL):** 1
– **QB Hits:** 2
### **2021 Season (Rookie Year)**
– **Games Played:** 15 games (2 starts)
– **Tackles:** 28 total tackles
– **Interceptions:** 2 interceptions
– **Sacks:** 2 sacks
– **Passes Defended:** 3
### **2022 Season**
– **Games Played:** 5 games (3 starts)
– **Tackles:** 21 total tackles
– **Interceptions:** 2 interceptions
– **Passes Defended:** 1
### **2023 Season**
– **Injury:** Sterns was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn patellar tendon in Week 1 of the 2023 season. His season was cut short after just one game.
### College Stats (University of Texas)
– **Games Played:** 29 games over three seasons
– **Total Tackles:** 172 tackles
– **Interceptions:** 5 interceptions
– **Passes Defended:** 17 passes defended
– **Sacks:** 1 sack
Sterns had a strong start to his NFL career, showcasing his ball-hawking ability with four interceptions in just 20 games. His versatility, athleticism, and ability to play both safety positions made him a valuable asset to the Broncos’ defense before his injury in 2023. With his move to the Eagles, Sterns will be looking to continue building on his early success once he returns to full health.
It’s uncertain if **Caden Sterns** will immediately start for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, especially considering his recent injury history. Sterns suffered a torn patellar tendon in Week 1 of the 2023 season while playing for the Denver Broncos, and if he’s just returning, the Eagles may ease him into the rotation rather than rushing him into a starting role.
However, his potential to start will largely depend on a few factors:
### 1. **Health and Readiness**
– If Sterns is fully healthy and has recovered well from his injury, the Eagles may give him a significant role in the defense. His experience and playmaking ability could make him a strong candidate to see immediate action, particularly if the Eagles have depth issues in the secondary.
### 2. **Current Depth at Safety**
– The Eagles already have a solid safety duo in **Reed Blankenship** and **Terrell Edmunds**, who have been starting. Sterns could either rotate in or potentially start if either of them needs rest or if the Eagles feel Sterns provides an upgrade in certain matchups.
### 3. **Defensive Scheme and Rotation**
– Even if Sterns doesn’t start, he could see significant playing time in rotational packages, especially in passing situations or in dime packages where more defensive backs are required. His ability to play both safety positions and even cover in the slot gives the Eagles versatility.
### Likely Scenario:
It’s more probable that the Eagles will rotate Sterns into the lineup to assess his fitness and get him up to speed with their defensive schemes. If he performs well and proves his health, he could compete for a starting role in the coming weeks.