Eagles news: Marcus Epps receives elite-level comparison

The next chapter in the Philadelphia Eagles‘ story, one that is nearing its 90th birthday is underway. We hated the ending to the most recent tale, but part of loving an NFL team is accepting both the highs and the lows and knowing that they’ll play another season. Sadly, that won’t happen now for months, but in the meantime, there’s plenty to keep us busy, like free agency and what Philly will decide about their starting safety tandem (Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps).

C.J. had a phenomenal season for the Birds. Marcus was asked to step up, and even though he wasn’t perfect, we learned that he was better than previously advertised. Now comes the hard part as there’s an issue. Both are at the end of their current deals, and Philly has to make decisions on both AND 18 other impending free agents.

While Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles’ outspoken and energetic D.B., has proven he deserves an extension, there’s a question that people are asking. Will he be paid by the Birds?

Ask around, and most Eagles fans you know will name at least a handful of guys that they’d re-sign before Epps. Well, there’s a trusted Eagles voice that thinks that’s criminal. He believes letting Marcus go would be a gross error in judgment.

Eagles news: Marcus Epps receives an elite-level comp, one mentioning a name that Philly sports fans know well.

Younger Birds fans know Barrett Brooks and Seth Joyner as two guys from NBC Sports Philadelphia and the JAKIB Sports platform. Those who are a little older remember when they were running around in Eagles jerseys.

Brooks recently cast his vote for a Marcus Epps extension, stating that, if Philly lets him get away, they’re saying goodbye to the “next Jordan Poyer”. Take a look.

https://twitter.com/JAKIBSports/status/1625658971842281473?s=20

That’s a massive compliment. Now, we realize that some of you are scratching your heads because you’re wondering if he meant to mention C.J., and one of your recent memories of Marcus involves Travis Kelce running past him for six points. Rather than argue over whether or not Brooks’ statement bears any merit though, let’s take a walk down memory lane.

We honestly need a little time to process this one a little further.

Even more Eagles news: Can Gardner-Johnson become one of the next great Eagles safeties? Philly has to re-sign him first!

The Eagles have hit some home runs at safety. One of the best players in franchise history, Brian Dawkins, played the position. Malcolm Jenkins, one of the heroes of the 2017-2018 Super Bowl-winning season turned out to be one of the best signings that Howie Roseman ever made.

We could also bring up great players that were underrated but battled their arses off every single Sunday. Think about Michael Lewis and Quintin Mikell in that respect. Then there are the guys that Philly may have given up on too early. Think Jordan Poyer and Kurt Coleman.

Poyer, a 2013 seventh-round draft choice was eventually released that October by Chip Kelly who elected instead to keep Shaun Prater and Roc Carmichael. Poyer, now with the Buffalo Bills, has gone on to become one of the best players at his position. Pratar and Carmichael have long since been out of the league.

That brings us to C.J.G.J.

Gardner-Johnson landed in the City of Brotherly Love by way of a trade that also involved the swapping of draft compensation. C.J. has become a fan favorite, but again, his deal has ended.

Seth Joyner believes allowing him to walk would be a huge miscalculation. Truthfully, most Birds fans would agree.

Yeah, no disrespect is intended to Marcus Epps, but we’re convinced that had to be what Barrett meant when he made the Jordan Poyer comparison. Trust us on this one. If Philly lets C.J. walk they’ll regret it.