The 53-man roster cutdown deadline might’ve passed already, but that hasn’t stopped the Philadelphia Eagles from making additions to their team ahead of Week 1 of the regular season.
The Eagles finalized their practice squad roster and also made an interesting waiver claim on Wednesday, bringing in an undrafted free agent center. On Tuesday afternoon, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman teased that more moves could be on the horizon, and he’s sticking to his word.
Late Wednesday night, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported that Philadelphia signed veteran safety Marcus Epps. The terms of the deal were announced. Eagles fans are familiar with Epps, who was with the team for four years (2019-2022), and he started in Super Bowl 57.
Reunion: Veteran safety Marcus Epps is signing with the #Eagles, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 28, 2025
Epps played for Philadelphia from 2019-2022 and started in Super Bowl LVII. Now, he returns as a veteran presence in a young secondary for the defending champs. pic.twitter.com/pjuIbiuqhz
Epps departed Philadelphia following the 2022 season and took his talents into free agency, where he signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The veteran defensive back was picked up by the New England Patriots this offseason on a one-year deal worth $4.4 million, but didn’t make the final roster. That said, some within the Eagles fanbase are excited to hear that Epps is back, given the current state of the safety position.
Marcus Epps Gives Eagles Depth and Proven Vet at Safety Position
As things currently stand, Reed Blankenship is locked in at free safety. However, there’s been a brewing competition for the strong safety spot between Sydney Brown and rookie Andrew Mukuba.
Brown, who is entering his third NFL season, has played in 25 games but has only made six starts. And those starts came in his rookie season in 2023. During his rookie campaign, Brown racked up 45 combined tackles, three pass deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception (defensive TD).
The 25-year-old defender is a heat-seeking missile and isn’t afraid to lay a big hit. Meanwhile, Mukuba was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft as the replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was traded to the Houston Texans in March.
Mukuba was a ballhawk in his college career, posting six interceptions (five last year at Texas). He also possesses good man and zone coverage skills. The young defender showed off his ball skills in the Eagles’ preseason game with a pick-six against the Cleveland Browns.
ANDREW MUKUBA PICK SIX 🤯
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 16, 2025
Eagles 2nd round pick takes Dillion Gabriel’s pass the other way 😬
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/E4bGHcxpqQ
That said, he’s still very young in his career and has to show that he’s ready for the bright lights of regular-season football. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will give Brown and Mukuba those opportunities, but having an insurance policy in Epps isn’t a bad option.
When Epps was a full-time starter in 2022 under then-defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, he wasn’t the best in coverage. He allowed a 73.1 completion percentage allowed on targets, a 139.1 pass rating allowed when targeted, and gave up six touchdowns. Epps also didn't fare well in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs either.
However, Gardner-Johnson had issues in pass coverage last season, but still also got a bunch of turnovers. If Epps can intercept a few passes, it will go a long way in helping this secondary, which is going through a transition, as they don’t have Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers Sr., and Gardner-Johnson.