PHLY Philadelphia Eagles Podcast Eagles Safety IN FOCUS: Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II competing? | PHLY Eagles Podcast
Mar 23, 2026
A dive into the competition at safety as Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II vie to pair with Drew Mukuba. Discussion of roster depth, trade targets like Budda Baker, and whether the team needs an early draft pick or midseason additions. Analysis of scheme fit under Vic Fangio and creative uses for versatile players such as Cooper DeJean.
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Eagles Replace Sidney Brown With Experience And Special Teams Focus
- The Eagles traded Sidney Brown and then signed Marcus Epps and JT Gray, leaving safety depth thin but experienced with Epps returning.
- EJ Smith frames Epps as a Reed Blankenship–style replacement while JT Gray is a special-teams flyer, shifting the room's makeup.
Michael Carter II Has Real Upside As A Safety Convert
- Michael Carter II is viewed as a legitimate competitor for the starting safety job because of his youth and transition from nickel corner.
- Bo Wulf notes Eagles see Carter as offering a second chapter in a Vic Fangio system if the transition is seamless.
Drew Mukuba Performance Determines Safety Room Risk
- The Eagles may be willing to accept uncertainty at the second safety spot if Drew Mukuba delivers consistently.
- Both hosts stress Mukuba's ceiling is high but variable, making the pairing outcome-dependent.