The Philadelphia Eagles continue to evaluate their roster following a competitive season, with attention turning to areas that require improvement. One NFL analyst has identified safety as a key position the team must address moving forward.
Philadelphia has already taken steps to reinforce the position by adding depth in free agency. The addition of Marcus Epps and JT Gray signal an awareness within the organization that strengthening the secondary remains essential to sustaining success against high powered offenses.
Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Sirianni, ESPN, NFL
Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reacts during the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Despite those moves, questions remain about long term stability at safety, particularly in coverage and communication on the back end. The position plays a critical role in limiting explosive plays, an area that can define outcomes in closely contested games.
The proposed solution centers on continuing to invest resources into the position, whether through additional free agent signings or future draft selections. Building depth and competition could help the Eagles solidify a unit that has shown inconsistency at times.
NFL Expert Suggests What Philadelphia Eagles Should Do to Address Major Need
Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Sirianni, ESPN, NFL
Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
As it stands, Philly has a way to make their team at the safety position. This is detailed more in an analysis by Bill Barnwell for ESPN.
What’s missing: Safety. Vic Fangio’s defense relies heavily on its safeties. They are asked to disguise their intentions and responsibilities pre- and post-snap, read and adapt to route distributions, and make a meaningful impact filling against the run to aid the light boxes Fangio prefers to use up front. That doesn’t necessarily mean Fangio needs Hall of Famers in the back end, but over the past 15 years, his defenses have had players like Dashon Goldson, Eddie Jackson and Justin Simmons playing key roles at a high level.
The 2024 defense that was so dominant won up front, but Reed Blankenship was a reliable coverage guy, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson was the playmaker who created big plays for the unit (six picks). Both are now gone. Gardner-Johnson was replaced a year ago by Andrew Mukuba, who was impressive for stretches as a rookie beforebreaking his ankle. Blankenship stuck around for one more year, but after a rough season as a tackler, he left and signed athree-year deal with the Texans in free agency. Marcus Epps, who filled in for the injured Mukuba, is also a free agent.
The Eagles’ defensive structure relies heavily on coordination between the secondary and pass rush, making reliability at safety a priority. Improving that area would allow the defense to operate more effectively as a whole while reducing pressure on other units.
As the offseason progresses, the Eagles are expected to remain active in addressing remaining needs. Strengthening the safety position could prove to be a decisive factor in maintaining their status as a contender in a competitive conference.
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