What Is Howie Roseman’s Plan at Safety in 2026?
The Philadelphia Eagles watched as former starting safety Reed Blankenship signed with the Houston Texans in free agency. While Philadelphia re-signed Marcus Epps, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman stated that they will still add at the position. Roseman discussed the state of Philadelphia’s safety room at the owners meetings.
He highlighted the growth and expectations for second-year safety Andrew Mukuba, who started 10 games during his rookie season in Philadelphia. Roseman also mentioned how the organization has confidence in the safeties that they have brought back or signed at the position. Yet he also made it clear that the safety room is far from a finished product.
“We don't play for a long time…and we still have a draft, we still have a lot of players that are available. More players will come available after the draft,” Roseman said, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. “In some shape or form, we will add at that position.”
Roseman’s comments on adding to the safety room are notable because there are multiple pathways that the Eagles can take to address the position. While the 2026 NFL Draft is loaded with intriguing safety prospects, there are a few veterans that could become available for trade. Let’s take a closer look at Roseman’s potential plan.
2026 NFL Draft
The Eagles are currently slated to have nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four picks in the first three rounds of the event. Philadelphia has already shown interest in several of the top safety prospects in this year’s draft class. While the Eagles likely won’t pick early enough to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, there are still plenty of other options at the position to watch for.
Day One:
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo: The Eagles had a ton of success the last time that they spent a first-round pick on a former Toledo player. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could be reunited with Quinyon Mitchell in Philadelphia and would immediately start from day one. “EMW” had a formal meeting with the Eagles at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon: If the Eagles want to recreate the Exciting Whites, Dillon Thieneman is the answer. Yet in all seriousness, many view him as the second best safety prospect in this year’s draft class. Thieneman tested off the charts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and will be able to do it all at the next level.
Day Two:
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State: The Eagles have shown quite a bit of interest in former Nittany Lions during the pre-draft process and Zakee Wheatley is near the top of that list. At 6’3” and 203 lbs., Wheatley has great size for a safety and impressive athleticism that gives him a high ceiling at the position. Philadelphia reportedly met with Wheatley at the Senior Bowl.
Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina: If the Eagles are looking for a safety that can replicate C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s skillset, Jalon Kilgore could be their guy. Kilgore has the ability to line-up at both nickelback or safety and did it at all at South Carolina. Philadelphia reportedly hosted Kilgore on a 30 visit, which is historically a clear indicator of the team’s interest in a prospect.
Day Three:
Michael Taaffe, Texas: If the Eagles are seekiny a long-term starter to pair with Mukuba, why not add his former teammate? Michael Taaffe and Mukuba started together for the Longhorns in 2024. Taaffe played over 2,000 snaps at Texas and showcased great instincts against both the run and the pass. Taaffe had a formal meeting with the Eagles at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Bishop Fitzgerald, USC: While former Trojans safety Kamari Ramey is ranked higher, the Eagles have shown plenty of interest in Bishop Fitzgerald. After transferring from North Carolina State to USC, Fitzgerald continued to put his ballhawking ability on display with five interceptions. The Eagles met with Fitzgerald at the East-West Shrine Bowl and the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Trade Candidates
If the Eagles don’t add a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft, Philadelphia could always pivot to trading for a proven veteran starter. That’s exactly what Roseman did in both 2022 and 2023, as the team eventually acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Kevin Byard. Luckily for the Eagles, it seems like there a few veteran safeties that could become available for trade this offseason. Here are four safeties to watch for on the trade market.
Budda Baker, Cardinals: It feels like Eagles fans want the team to trade for Cardinals safety Budda Baker nearly every offseason. Yet this could finally be the year that it happens with Arizona seemingly entering a rebuild. The 30-year-old safety has two years remaining on his current contract and could want to play for a contender.
Jessie Bates III, Falcons: The Falcons hired a new regime this offseason and could look to build around their young core moving forward. Jessie Bates III is entering the final year of his contract and turned 29-years old in February. The Eagles already traded Sydney Brown to Atlanta and could call them up again about another move involving a safety.
Justin Reid, Saints: The Eagles tried to sign Justin Reid as a free agent last offseason. He opted to sign a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Saints and there’s a chance that he could be available for trade in 2026. Saints safety Jonas Sanker showed promise during his rookie season and New Orleans re-signed Julian Blackmon. I wouldn’t be surprised if Roseman tried to get Reid once again.
DeShon Elliott, Steelers: Prior to joining the Eagles, Vic Fangio was the defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins for one season. After trading for Jaelan Phillips last season, Philadelphia could attempt to reunite Fangio with another former starter from his lone season in Miami. Steelers safety DeShon Elliott led the Dolphins in snaps under Fangio in 2023 and could be available as Pittsburgh embraces a new coaching staff and additions in the secondary.