Eagles want to add the former All-Pro Safety for $58 million.
One of the most complete rosters in the NFL, if not the NFC East, will greet the Philadelphia Eagles at training camp in around a month. However, that doesn’t imply the group can’t add one more member. Eddie Jackson, a former All-Pro safety, should be added, according to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz.
Schatz stated on June 20 that the Eagles’ last action before training camp should be to sign Jackson.
The Eagles need more defensive depth on defense. Sydney Brown, for instance, is recovering from an ACL injury sustained late in the previous season, which leaves C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship with minimal depth at safety, according to Schatz. Former Bears great Jackson would aid in bringing stability to the group.
“If Gardner-Johnson lines up in the slot, he could play strong safety; if Blankenship isn’t available, he might even win the free safety position.”
Since 2018, Jackson has not been selected to an All-Pro squad. However, over the last few seasons, injuries have largely been to blame for the two-time Pro Bowler’s slowdown. Jackson’s foot problems have caused him to miss ten games in the last two years.
He played in 12 games in 2023 and recorded 37 total tackles, 5 pass defenses, and 1 interception.
With one year remaining on his contract, Jackson was released by the Chicago Bears on February 15. In January 2020, Chicago signed Jackson to a $58.4 million, four-year contract deal.
Eddie Jackson’s Safety Position and the Eagles’ Fit
Schatz is worried about safety Reed Blankenship staying in the Eagles starting lineup, much like other analysts this summer. Prior to the previous season, the 25-year-old had only played 291 defensive snaps in his NFL career as an undrafted free agent.
However, Blankenship made good use of his opportunity in 2023. He received a 73.4 Pro Football Focus player grade and was the Eagles’ second-leading defensive snap taker. Among Philadelphia defensive players who played at least 400 snaps last season, that grade was fourth-best.
Even then, the Eagles’ confidence in Blankenship may depend on how rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean performs, which may or may not lead Philadelphia to want to add another safety. DeJean might get nickels back or snaps at safety. However, he could also play outside cornerback, which could present chances for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a seasoned defensive back, to play in the slot.
The Eagles would need to sign a veteran like Jackson if they anticipate that Gardner-Johnson and DeJean would both play positions other than safety.
If the Eagles decide to add to their secondary, it may partly depend on the health of rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Philadelphia selected Mitchell in the first round and DeJean in the second.
