Eagles Rumors: Safety help on the way?
Heading into training camp, the Eagles were hoping for two safeties to emerge as starters on the backend of their revamped defense.
Marcus Epps has locked up one spot with an impressive summer, but the other side is questionable at best. The team brought back Anthony Harris on a cheap one-year deal and signed veteran Jaquiski Tartt in June, but neither has instilled much confidence throughout camp.
There were rumblings of potential trade interest in Jessie Bates, but the second-team All-Pro signed his franchise tag tender this week, remaining committed to the Bengals for another season. Ravens safety Chuck Clark was another option, but he’s reportedly “locked in” with Baltimore after requesting a trade in April.
That won’t stop the Eagles from looking into alternative solutions, however. According to Pro Football Network’s Mike Kaye, Philadelphia will continue to survey the market as final roster cuts approach:
“Sticking with the NFC East, the Eagles could use an upgrade at safety. While Marcus Epps will be one of the two starters, veterans Anthony Harris and Jaquiski Tartt have left a lot to be desired this summer.
K’Von Wallace, Andre Chachere, and Josiah Scott have all had their moments in camp, but they’re all probably best fit as part-time role players. GM Howie Roseman will monitor the trade market and wavier wire for a possible upgrade at safety.”
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NFL Insider Adam Caplan echoed that same sentiment, stating the Eagles “aren’t done” at the position:
“They’re not done at safety. They’ll do something before the season starts. They know that they have to. Whether it’s a trade, free agent, etc. It’s been a problem.”
Current free-agent safeties include:
- Landon Collins
- Andrew Adams
- Andrew Sendejo
- Jeff Heath
- Tavon Wilson
- Troy Apke
Not a lot of enticing names out there.
Roseman has never been bashful about adding impact players, as evidenced during the draft when he acquired Pro Bowl receiver AJ Brown. If the Eagles can find an above-average safety to round out the roster, they’ll be the unanimous NFC East favorites.
Landon Collins with the punch out! @WashingtonNFL takes it right back. #WashingtonFootball
— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2021
📺: #SEAvsWAS on ESPN
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