From NFL Insider Jordan Schultz:

Now “enamored” is a triggering word for Eagles fans, because if you recall, the Birds were “enamored” with Jalen Reagor’s explosive speed and potential, which did not work out. He ended up stinking and then Howie traded him to Minnesota, where he caught 8 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown this season, which is basically what DeVonta Smith or A.J. Brown do in single games.

But anyway, Epps – I’ve said before that I think safety is the most important free agent position for the Eagles simply for the fact that both starters are UFAs. Throw in the fact that it’s not a strong draft class, and that adds to the urgency here. You’ve got Alabama’s Brian Branch as a first rounder, and there’s a guy from TAMU, Antonio Johnson, who is probably a second round player, but beyond that, there’s not a lot of top-end talent. So the Birds probably need to sign CJGJ stat, and then let Epps walk and let Reed Blankenship or someone else take his place. Not sure what Howie wants to do here, but you certainly can’t lose both starting safeties.

FWIW: some of the safeties on the free agent market right now –

  • Jordan Poyer
  • Jessie Bates
  • Vonn Bell
  • Adrian Amos
  • Duron Harmon
  • Jimmie Ward

Good safety free agent class, but you can’t pay CJGJ and then one of these guys at the same time, so keep that in mind. We’re talking AAVs of $6 million up to $10 million or more.