Former Eagles Cornerback Byron Maxwell Benched By Dolphins

Byron Maxwell is off to a rough start with his new team. The Dolphins benched the former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback prior to Miami’s game against the Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network was first to report Maxwell’s demotion.

The Dolphins benched Maxwell in favor of second-year player Tony Lippett. Lippett, a fifth round pick from the 2015 NFL Draft, had never started an NFL game before Thursday. He played wide receiver in college at Michigan State.

Maxwell logged 11 tackles and one forced fumble in three starts this season. The 28-year-old defensive back has often struggled in pass coverage, however, not unlike he did with the Eagles in 2015.

Philadelphia shipped off Maxwell, along with linebacker Kiko Alonso and the No. 13 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, in exchange for Miami’s No. 8 selection. The Eagles later used the No. 8 pick as part of a bigger package to move up to No. 2 overall and select Carson Wentz.

Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman deserves credit for unloading Maxwell and his expensive salary in exchange for an asset that helped the Eagles land a potential franchise quarterback.