Eagles Urged to Consider Signing Former $89 Million All-Pro Safety Eddie Jackson
With training camp approaching, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to start the season with one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, particularly in the NFC East. However, there may still be room for improvement. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz suggests that the Eagles should consider adding former All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson to their lineup.
On June 20, Schatz emphasized the need for the Eagles to bolster their defensive depth, particularly at safety. With Sydney Brown recovering from an ACL injury, the Eagles lack depth behind C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship. Schatz argues that Jackson could provide much-needed stability and versatility to the unit.
Jackson, a former Chicago Bears star, hasn’t been named an All-Pro since 2018 due to injuries, missing 10 games over the past two seasons because of foot issues. In 2023, he recorded 37 tackles, five pass defenses, and one interception in 12 games. The Bears released him on February 15 with one year remaining on his $58.4 million contract.
Potential Fit for Eddie Jackson with the Eagles
Schatz and other analysts have expressed concerns about Reed Blankenship’s position in the Eagles’ starting lineup. Although Blankenship, a former undrafted free agent, played well last season, finishing second in defensive snaps for the Eagles and earning a solid Pro Football Focus grade, there are still questions about his consistency and reliability.
The addition of rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean, who could play multiple positions, might influence the Eagles’ decision to add another safety. If DeJean and Gardner-Johnson are used primarily outside of the safety position, signing a veteran like Jackson could become a priority.
Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell’s role could also impact this decision. Philadelphia drafted Mitchell in the first round and DeJean in the second of the 2024 NFL Draft. Jackson’s familiarity with new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, under whom he had his best season, makes him a natural fit for the team.
Weighing Other Options
While Jackson is a viable option, it’s worth considering whether he is the best choice for the Eagles. His last Pro Bowl appearance was five years ago, and despite injury-free seasons in 2020 and 2021, he didn’t earn any accolades. Last year, his production dropped significantly, and he played a career-low 87% of Chicago’s defensive snaps in the games he participated in, recording only 37 tackles.
An alternative could be fellow veteran Justin Simmons, who also has experience in Fangio’s defense and boasts a more impressive recent record. Simmons has made four All-Pro teams and two Pro Bowls, including last season, where he recorded 70 tackles, eight pass defenses, and three interceptions.
If the Eagles decide to add a safety, Simmons might offer a more consistent and high-performing option than Jackson.
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