The Philadelphia Eagles have multiple position groups they could look to improve as the new NFL season kicks off, and safety is chief among them.
With veteran James Bradberry expected to miss up to two months with a lower leg injury suffered in practice on Aug. 29, the Eagles are down to converted safety Avonte Maddox and training camp standout Tristin McCollum behind starters C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship.
Considering the team’s lack of proven depth at the position, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine believes the Eagles should act now and sign former Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse in free agency.
Here's what Ballentine thinks about the potential move:
James Bradberry suffered an injury last week and will be out for six to eight weeks. That hurts Philadelphia's safety depth as he was expected to be the defense's backup strong safety.
Adding Kearse would help solve that problem and give the club someone who can cover tight ends. Plus, he should know the division well after spending the last three years with the Cowboys.
Kearse spent the last three seasons with the Cowboys, but is still looking for his next team. He was a key piece in former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s defense, starting 13 games and recording an interception, multiple sacks and 72 total tackles. The Cowboys extended both Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker prior to the 2023 the season, and Quinn exiting to become head coach of the Washington Commanders has likely played a role in Kearse not yet signing back with his former team.
The Eagles have multiple positions of need in Ballentine’s eyes. He mentions right guard, which the team hopes can be manned by newcomer Mekhi Becton. Wide receiver remains a need with unproven talent behind stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, even after the addition of Jahan Dotson. Inside linebacker is always a concern for Philly, and the play of first-year Eagles like Devin White and Zack Baun could prove crucial to the defense’s success in 2024.
But with the new NFL season about to be underway, the secondary should remain the team’s No. 1 concern. With limited depth at safety, and some young talent being broken in at cornerback behind starters Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers, the Eagles could be looking to add now. With his familiarity playing in the NFC East, Kearse, at the right price, represents a solution.
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