More on the Safety Position
Posted May 10th, 2026 | No Comments »I wrote some thoughts on the Eagles situation at safety the other day when the Colts released Kenny Moore. After some reflection, I want to expand on the safety discussion so that everyone understands what is going on.
Howie Roseman is always looking upgrade his roster. He believes in putting together the most talented team possible. The key word here is upgrade. He obviously has some comfort level with Drew Mukuba and Marcus Epps as his projected safeties. If not, he would have made a move by now. The question he asks in regard to Moore or any other potential target…is he a clear upgrade? Howie has two players in place who have been in the system. Epps has started 29 games for the Eagles over a five-year span. They know him and what he can do. Mukuba was a player they targeted in the 2025 draft and were thrilled to get.
These guys aren’t just bodies. The coaches and front office like them. Fans for whatever reason have doubts. They want a proven veteran that they have heard of or read about to be the guy. Epps and Mukuba don’t cost much. They played well last year. Howie isn’t making a change for the sake of it. The change has to be a clear upgrade.
I think the team wants to see the whole group in action this summer. How do Epps and Mukuba work together? Is Michael Carter part of the mix? How does he do if he gets and extended shot at playing safety? He’ll have a full offseason in the scheme and that is valuable. And of course they’re excited to see how Cole Wisniewski does. Andre Sam is a player they like. Brandon Johnson could play safety or nickel. Then you have UDFAs Maximus Pulley and Kapena Gushiken. Safety is one position where you can find diamonds in the rough. There will be some serious competition.
The real key guy here isn’t Howie as much as Vic Fangio. He knows who/what he likes. If he’s happy with these guys, why make a change? On the flip side, he could tell Howie they need to go get someone. Always trust Uncle Vic. The man knows football and the guys who fit his system. He absolutely must trust the players. If he does, they can play for him.
The other thing to remember is that the Eagles don’t need to rush. They acquired CJGJ right before the season began in 2022. They can make moves during the season if things aren’t working. Howie and his staff will be studying roster cuts this summer to see if the right guy becomes available. He just has to be a clear upgrade.
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With four QBs on the roster we all assume that the Eagles would love to move Tanner McKee for picks. Andy Dalton could slide into the backup role, with Cole Payton as the developmental guy. That would be good. But Howie isn’t giving away McKee. He is valued as a good backup. You only trade that guy for a good return.
I’m not seeing a lot of teams where there is a need right now. Sounds like Aaron Rodgers will be returning to the Steelers. The Cardinals used a high pick on Carson Beck. The Jets drafted Cade Klubinik early and he’s looked good in the minicamp so far. Miami signed Malik Willis in the offseason and will build around him. The Raiders are set with 2 QBs.
Maybe the Saints would value McKee as a backup and someone to help mentor Tyler Shough. Kellen Moore had good success with McKee and could think he’s worth trading for. Maybe the Colts want an insurance policy behind Daniel Jones. I just don’t see a lot of options.
If someone gets hurt this summer, that could change things significantly. We’ll see. You might need to get comfortable with the realistic idea of the Eagles keeping four QBs for at least the beginning of the season. Albert Breer talks a lot about QBs in this interview.
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Nick Sirianni mentioned this play as something that really impressed him. Showed competitiveness, toughness and a ton of hustle. It showed that Lemon isn’t the typical diva receiver “Get me the ball”. He’s a fierce competitior that will do whatever it takes to win.
The play that sold the Eagles on Makai Lemon:
USC up two TDs. Their QB throws a pick. Lemon is on the other side of the field, runs all the way across to tackle the DB.
It was his first game back at WR after playing DB all season due to USC secondary injuries.
— Eagle Times (@_EagleTimes) April 27, 2026
It really is amazing the depth teams go into when figuring out which players they really like.
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With quiet days ahead of us I recently asked for topics you would like covered. Thanks for the feedback. Here is some of what I’ve got planned.
I’ll have a good Howie post on Monday.
I will write about the 2008 team and their wild playoff run.
I’m going to do a series on the draft. I want to talk about the best GMs/personnel guys over the years. I will cover my own history as a draftnik. I will get into area scouts and what they do. I will try to write about analytics/scouting. These will be different pieces.
I will do my all-Eagles team…that’s a tough one.
I will write about my favorite Eagles.
We’ll have the schedule to discuss.
The AJ trade is only a few weeks away.
The Eagles will give us some oddball things to cover.
If you have more suggestions or things you want to read, please let me know.
Thanks as always.
Happy Mother’s Day to the ladies out there!!!
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