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Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell is getting benched. Again.
The Dolphins are starting rookie cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, who was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, in place of Maxwell, according to ESPN. Making matters worse for Maxwell is that he suffered a pre-game hamstring injury.
Maxwell was first benched by Miami early last season. He seemed to respond well, however, and played better upon returning back to the lineup. Maybe that’s what Adam Gase is hoping for again unless the rookie really lights it up.
The fact that Maxwell has been benched twice in two seasons now certainly isn’t a great look for him ... or the Dolphins. Miami traded the No. 8 overall pick (which Philadelphia later used to trade up for Carson Wentz) to the Eagles in exchange for both Maxwell and Kiko Alonso. Both players contributed to Miami’s 10-6 record last season, but things aren’t looking as good this year.
Maxwell has been targeted 11 times in two games played. He’s surrendered seven receptions for 112 yards, per Pro Football Focus. Maxwell ranks 97th out of 109 corners graded by PFF.
Alonso doesn’t seem to be looking so great either. He hasn’t been benched, no, but he ranks 86th out of 86 linebackers graded by PFF: dead last. Alonso has been targeted seven times and has allowed six receptions for 87 yards.
Earlier this year, Maxwell said the Eagles “messed up” by getting rid of him. Lol, nah.