Philadelphia Eagles: 10 best free-agent signings in team history

PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 15: Defensive lineman Jevon Kearse #93 of the Philadelphia Eagles smiles while talking to teammates on the sideline during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on August 15, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Eagles 38-31. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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Malcolm Jenkins (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

. . . Malcolm Jenkins, safety (2015-2019). 2. player. 54

Shortly after his reunion with the New Orleans Saints was official, Sean Payton publicly lamented that allowing Malcolm Jenkins to leave after 2013’s season, his fifth in the NFL, was one of the biggest mistakes that he ever made.

Jenkins signed with the “Birds” on March 11th of 2014, and what followed was 102 games with 102 starts, 555 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 59 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, and four defensive touchdowns in an Eagles jersey.

Jenkins stepped into a safety position and wasn’t shy about allowing his presence in the locker room to set a tone. “27” naturally possessed an uncanny brand of leadership that hadn’t been seen since Brian Dawkins was allowed to leave after the 2008 regular season.

Jenkins played every defensive snap during his time on Philly, minus Week 17 of 2017’s season, where an Eagles team preparing for a playoff push rested its starters. He’s not a member of the Eagles’ Hall of Fame yet, but one day in the future, he will be. You can count on that.

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