Philadelphia Eagles Face Safety Battle Ahead of Preseason

The Philadelphia Eagles are entering training camp with a safety battle that may not be settled until the preseason finale.

Andrew Mukuba is the most important piece in the room after starting as a rookie, but Reed Blankenship's departure to the Houston Texans created a question next to him.

What are the Eagles' options at safety?

The Eagles have several possible answers, including Marcus Epps, who gives Philadelphia a traditional veteran option with his experience and physicality.

Epps' familiarity with defensive structure makes him a logical candidate to handle meaningful snaps, especially in sub-packages.

How does Michael Carter II fit into the equation?

Michael Carter II adds a different kind of value because of his nickel and safety flexibility, giving Vic Fangio another defensive back who can match personnel and handle coverage responsibilities.

Carter's versatility is an asset to the Eagles' defense, which is looking to stabilize the safety position.

The Eagles are currently 12th in the American Football Conference with a 6-11 record, on a L6 streak, and will face the Washington Commanders on 2026-09-13.

What role will Cooper DeJean play in the safety battle?

Cooper DeJean remains part of the equation, but his role should not be overstated, as he has taken safety reps in base packages, giving Philadelphia another way to get its best defensive backs on the field.

DeJean's value is still tied to versatility, not a permanent move away from nickel or cornerback responsibilities.

Who are the other contenders for the safety position?

Cole Wisniewski, Andre' Sam, and Maximus Pulley also make this battle more layered, with Wisniewski giving the Eagles a bigger safety at 6-foot-3 and 219 pounds, and Sam bringing NFL experience and a special teams path.

Pulley enters as a rookie developmental option at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, and preseason snaps could determine whether he pushes for a roster spot or becomes a practice squad candidate.

The Eagles are trying to determine which combinations work best with Mukuba, how much Epps can stabilize the group, and whether Carter can handle more safety responsibilities.

Preseason games will be crucial in answering these questions, as they will show tackling angles, spacing, pursuit, and how defensive backs respond when formations shift after the snap.