Eagles DC Vic Fangio Says Quinyon Mitchell Practicing on Both Sides to Potentially Travel With Top Receivers During Games

The Philadelphia Eagles have been undergoing a defensive transformation this offseason under the experienced and methodical leadership of new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Known for his cerebral approach to game-planning and defensive scheming, Fangio is already making adjustments to leverage the unique talents of his young players—including second-year cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

During training camp this week, Fangio revealed an intriguing detail that has sparked excitement among Eagles fans and NFL analysts alike: Mitchell has been taking reps on both sides of the field during practice. According to Fangio, the reason is straightforward but significant—to prepare Mitchell to potentially travel with the opponent’s top receiver during the regular season.

It’s a notable development for both the Eagles’ defensive strategy and Mitchell’s individual career trajectory, suggesting that Philadelphia believes the former first-round pick is ready for a larger and more complex role in Year 2.

A New Era in Philadelphia’s Secondary

Mitchell, selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Toledo, entered the league with considerable buzz. A dominant Group of Five cornerback with elite speed, physicality, and ball skills, Mitchell quickly rose up draft boards and impressed during his rookie campaign.

He saw limited action in 2024 behind veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry, but now with Bradberry’s future in question and Slay entering his mid-30s, the door is wide open for Mitchell to emerge as a cornerstone of the Eagles’ secondary.

Fangio’s decision to test Mitchell on both sides of the field reflects not only confidence in his young corner but also a possible philosophical shift in how Philadelphia deploys its secondary.

“We want to see what he can handle,” Fangio said during a post-practice press conference. “He’s doing a great job processing both sides, and we’re evaluating whether he can be a guy who travels [with receivers]. That’s a big responsibility, but he’s got the mindset and the skill set for it.”

The Significance of “Traveling” in NFL Defenses

In most NFL defenses, cornerbacks tend to stay on one side of the field. Left and right cornerbacks develop chemistry with their safeties and adjust to specific coverage responsibilities depending on where they line up. But there’s another level—the “traveling” corner—assigned to follow an opponent’s top wide receiver wherever he goes, be it outside or in the slot.

It’s a role typically reserved for elite talents: Jalen Ramsey, Darrelle Revis, Stephon Gilmore, and others. Fangio is known for his hesitancy to deviate from zone-heavy schemes, but his recent praise of Mitchell hints at greater schematic flexibility this season.

“This isn’t something we’re doing just for the sake of it,” Fangio added. “If we decide to have him travel, it’ll be because we know he can win those matchups. And that’s what this camp is for—testing those limits.”

If Mitchell is greenlit to shadow top targets, it could be the biggest shift in Eagles coverage philosophy in years. Philadelphia has typically relied on structure and cohesion rather than man-heavy tactics. But with Fangio at the helm and Mitchell emerging as a physical, intelligent playmaker, it’s clear the Eagles are rethinking their identity on defense.

Quinyon Mitchell’s Development So Far

So far in camp, reports indicate Mitchell has impressed not just with his raw athleticism, but with maturity, leadership, and consistency. After being eased into the lineup last year, the Eagles expect Mitchell to start in 2025—and potentially play a hybrid CB1 role if Fangio’s experimental reps carry over into the regular season.

Veteran corner Darius Slay spoke glowingly about Mitchell’s progress, saying, “The kid’s got it. He studies like a vet. I’ve seen him ask the right questions, and he’s not scared of the moment.”

That “moment” could soon involve going head-to-head against the NFL’s best: CeeDee Lamb, Terry McLaurin, Garrett Wilson, Justin Jefferson, and Brandon Aiyuk, just to name a few opponents on the Eagles’ 2025 schedule.

A Glimpse Into Fangio’s Defensive Vision

Fangio’s coaching reputation speaks for itself—over three decades of NFL experience, with stops in Chicago, Denver, and most recently Miami, where his defensive units ranked near the top in several key metrics. He’s known for his disguised coverages, split-safety looks, and most of all, adaptability.

That adaptability is now manifesting in Philadelphia, with Fangio tailoring roles to the players he trusts most.

“We’re not going to force anyone into a scheme,” Fangio said. “We’re going to shape the scheme to the talent we have. And Quinyon’s giving us options. That’s what you want.”

His comments further suggest that Mitchell’s versatility might allow Fangio to finally implement certain matchup-specific adjustments that were previously off the table.

What It Means for the Eagles’ 2025 Season

If Mitchell becomes the Eagles’ full-time traveling corner, the implications are massive. It could allow the Eagles to:

• Match up more effectively against WR1s without always rolling safety help

• Be more aggressive on blitz packages, knowing Mitchell can handle solo coverage

• Disguise pre-snap alignments with more credibility

• Free up Slay to take on WR2s or play zone

• Rotate younger defensive backs into more supportive roles

With the front seven adding reinforcements this offseason—including top draft picks and free-agent signings—the back end of the defense has the potential to complement the pass rush more effectively than it has in years.

The Bigger Picture for Quinyon Mitchell

For Mitchell personally, this could be a breakout campaign. After showing flashes of his ceiling in 2024, he’s now being placed in a position that suggests the Eagles view him as a long-term cornerstone. The faith being shown by Fangio and his staff is a testament to how far Mitchell has come since being drafted out of Toledo.

When asked about potentially becoming a traveling corner, Mitchell responded with quiet confidence: “I’m here to do whatever the team needs. If they want me to take on that role, I’m ready.”

It’s the kind of understated toughness that Philadelphia fans love—and one that could define the next generation of Eagles defense.

Vic Fangio’s revelation about Quinyon Mitchell may have seemed like a small detail during a training camp presser, but its significance shouldn’t be underestimated. The Eagles are signaling a major evolution in how they approach pass defense, and at the center of it is a second-year cornerback who is rising to meet the challenge.

If Mitchell does indeed become the traveling corner for the Eagles in 2025, it will mark the beginning of a bold, flexible era in Philadelphia’s defensive strategy—one built not just on schemes, but on trust in the talent they’ve cultivated.

In a city that demands excellence and toughness, Quinyon Mitchell is quickly proving he might be the next great Eagle—not just playing one side, but covering every inch of the field with confidence and grit.