The Philadelphia Eagles have a big problem at safety entering the 2026 season that might have to get resolved in some capacity.
After the departure of Reed Blankenship in free agency, the Eagles are tentatively set to roll with Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps as the starting safeties, which isn't a bad thing, but could be better. Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton named seven "bargain-bin" NFL free agents and who could be potential suitors for them, with safety Taylor Rapp attached to the Eagles as a potential landing spot.
"Taylor Rapp has valuable experience at both safety positions and in the slot. He played four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and three with the Buffalo Bills, recording 488 tackles (11 for loss), 31 pass breakups and 12 interceptions. After six mostly healthy, productive pro years, Rapp suffered a season-ending knee injury in October of last year. For the first time in his career, he finished a campaign without an interception or a pass breakup but only allowed a stingy 78.6 passer rating in coverage. Coming off a down year, Rapp is unlikely to sign a multiyear contract, but the battle-tested defensive back may just need a one-year, prove-it deal to show why he's still a starting-caliber defender."
Could Taylor Rapp be the solution the Eagles need at safety?
Rapp is no slouch of a player, as he has started in 72 NFL games since entering the league in 2019 as a second-round pick of the Rams. He's had success with the Rams and Bills in his NFL career.
One advantage for Rapp is that he is two years younger than the 30-year-old Epps, giving them veteran experience with youth mixed in with Rapp. Another is Rapp has experience on Super Bowl-caliber teams since he has played for two of the most successful franchises over the last seven years.
Where they might be concerned in Rapp's game is that he is a bit more inconsistent with his tackling. He has a 21.2% missed tackle rate in his career, which is higher than some would want out of a starting safety.
The Eagles would have a great position battle at training camp between Epps and Rapp to see who would start. Something to keep in mind is that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has spoken highly of Epps and the job he did last season filling in for Mukuba late in the season after Mukuba fractured his ankle.
Read more: Newest Eagles lineman has perfect shot at flipping group on its head
Rapp would make for a cheap option from free agency, but the Eagles need to make sure they would be making the best decision for the franchise before considering signing him. Still, more competition there could only help the Eagles out at a key position on defense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google