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The NFL offseason is officially underway, and as free agency nears, the Philadelphia Eagles have some tough decisions to make. Their top two safeties from last season, Reed Blankenship and Marcus Epps, are part of that conversation and could depart on the open market.
It's an interesting discussion. With limited finances and the knowledge that this organization typically doesn't prioritize safety, the plot thickens. It seems unlikely that they'll pay large sums of cash for Blankenship and Epps, but let's say they don't. The position will still need reinforcements.
No one will confuse Epps for Brian Dawkins or Malcolm Jenkins, but come on. Most aren't, but he's a much better option than what's already on the roster. Andre' Sam is interesting but raw, while Andrew Mukuba could seem to be injury-prone. After three years, Sydney Brown seems headed in the wrong direction.
So, maybe this is the year when the Eagles spend some money. Truth be told, Epps might be a less-expensive signing than the guys on this list, but if upgrades are desired, here are a few options.
We're going to assume the Eagles wouldn't dare entertain reacquiring Kevin Byard. That didn't go so well last time. Here's an idea: Coby Bryant of the Seattle Seahawks. He now has championship experience that may come in handy.
Bryant is potentially a Marcus Epps upgrade. He offers versatility and positional flexibility. He can play deep or coverage, and that gives Vic Fangio, potentially, another weapon.
Jaylinn Hawkins brings aggression and a physical style of play. That always endears safeties to Eagles fans. So does versatility, and Hawkins has played in multiple defensive systems.
That makes him someone who could step in if there are injuries. For perspective, he may be less expensive than Reed Blankenship.
Watching some Kevin Byard film always leads to peeks at Jaquan Brisker. He's a tone-setter who plays with physicality and aggression.
He's a three-down specialist who is also versatile. He plays the run and pass with equal proficiency, providing both immediate impact and long-term value.
Ar'Darius Washington finds himself in a similar position to Epps. The major difference is that the Ravens have two starting safeties who were former first-rounders.
In an expanded role, this young man could shine. Place an asterisk next to his name if taking notes.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets Eagles could sign to replace Marcus Epps
Continue reading...
It's an interesting discussion. With limited finances and the knowledge that this organization typically doesn't prioritize safety, the plot thickens. It seems unlikely that they'll pay large sums of cash for Blankenship and Epps, but let's say they don't. The position will still need reinforcements.
No one will confuse Epps for Brian Dawkins or Malcolm Jenkins, but come on. Most aren't, but he's a much better option than what's already on the roster. Andre' Sam is interesting but raw, while Andrew Mukuba could seem to be injury-prone. After three years, Sydney Brown seems headed in the wrong direction.
So, maybe this is the year when the Eagles spend some money. Truth be told, Epps might be a less-expensive signing than the guys on this list, but if upgrades are desired, here are a few options.
Coby Bryant, Seattle Seahawks
We're going to assume the Eagles wouldn't dare entertain reacquiring Kevin Byard. That didn't go so well last time. Here's an idea: Coby Bryant of the Seattle Seahawks. He now has championship experience that may come in handy.
Bryant is potentially a Marcus Epps upgrade. He offers versatility and positional flexibility. He can play deep or coverage, and that gives Vic Fangio, potentially, another weapon.
Jaylinn Hawkins, New England Patriots
Jaylinn Hawkins brings aggression and a physical style of play. That always endears safeties to Eagles fans. So does versatility, and Hawkins has played in multiple defensive systems.
That makes him someone who could step in if there are injuries. For perspective, he may be less expensive than Reed Blankenship.
Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears
Watching some Kevin Byard film always leads to peeks at Jaquan Brisker. He's a tone-setter who plays with physicality and aggression.
He's a three-down specialist who is also versatile. He plays the run and pass with equal proficiency, providing both immediate impact and long-term value.
Ar'Darius Washington, Baltimore Ravens
Ar'Darius Washington finds himself in a similar position to Epps. The major difference is that the Ravens have two starting safeties who were former first-rounders.
In an expanded role, this young man could shine. Place an asterisk next to his name if taking notes.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets Eagles could sign to replace Marcus Epps
Continue reading...
