Philadelphia Eagles
· 2026-07-14
The Philadelphia Eagles are hunting for a safety upgrade as they head into training camp with a glaring hole in their defensive backfield.
Philadelphia’s projected safety duo of Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps lacks confidence heading into 2026. Mukuba, a rookie in 2025, fractured his ankle late in the season and won’t be 100% for Week 1. Epps filled in capably last year but isn’t the long-term answer at free safety. The Eagles also lost starters C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship in free agency, leaving Philly with no returning starters from their Super Bowl-winning defense.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is the top target for Philadelphia’s front office. The 8-time Pro Bowler has been one of the NFL’s best safeties despite playing on one of its worst teams. He’s a 4-time All-Pro with roughly $89.1 million in career earnings through 2025. Baker signed a three-year, $54 million extension with Arizona before the 2024 season, with $16.1 million due in 2026 and $17.8 million in 2027.
Philadelphia’s trio of Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen has drawn rave reviews for 2026. Mitchell and DeJean are both NFL All-Pros, while Woolen joined via free agency after winning a Super Bowl elsewhere. Yet the safety void created by Blankenship’s departure and Mukuba’s injury recovery hasn’t gotten the same attention.
Reed Blankenship left Philadelphia on a three-year, $24.75 million deal with Houston. He told NFL reporter Aaron Wilson that it was the first time in his career someone truly wanted him. Blankenship became a full-time starter in his second season and helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl after the 2024 campaign. The Eagles’ failure to match Houston’s offer raises questions about their in-house valuation of a key contributor.
The Eagles sit 3rd in the National Football Conference with an 11-6 record and are on a three-game losing streak. Their next game is against the Washington Commanders on September 13, 2026.