The final week of training camp has wrapped up, and the hope is that it was enough to help the Philadelphia Eagles decide on one of their biggest training camp battles.
Philly's safety position has been completely up in the air since Reed Blankenship left in free agency for the Houston Texans. While Andrew Mukuba is a lock to start at one safety spot, the other spot is being decided between Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II.
It feels like the early signs point to Epps winning the job after missing the first two preseason games, while Carter has started those contests. Eagles fans might not think it is a mystery, but the team is still leaving training camp to make the final decision in this battle.
Eagles fans might've gotten their answer on Marcus Epps or Michael Carter II by Vic Fangio
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke with the media for the last time before training camp ended, discussing some of the roster decisions they need to make. Fangio was asked about the safety battle between Epps and Carter, and while Fangio didn't name a winner, it felt he gave it away by saying Epps had the advantage.
“It’s close,” Fangio said via The Philly Special's Anthony DiBona. “Michael’s been doing a good job back there. It’s just all new to him, and we need to get him more exposure, which is hard to do. But I do think Michael can eventually do it.”
Eagles DC Vic Fangio on the safety competition:
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) August 26, 2026
“It’s close,” Fangio said. “Michael’s been doing a good job back there. It’s just all new to him and we need to get him more exposure, which is hard to do. But I do think Michael can eventually do it.”
Translation: Marcus Epps… pic.twitter.com/YaXlQ14azj
If Carter is still learning the position, there's no way Fangio throws him on the field for Week 1 against the Washington Commanders. The signs were always there for Epps to win the job, but this pretty much confirms what everyone suspected.
Even if Carter isn't going to win the job, he is certainly going to make it hard on the Eagles to pass up on him. NBC Sports Philadelphia Eagles reporter Dave Zangaro highlighted one of the top plays from the final training camp practice going to Carter.
"Michael Carter II had an interception on Wednesday when an Andy Dalton pass to Darius Cooper soared a little bit by the goal line and Cooper couldn’t catch it. Andre’ Sam had tight coverage and the ball popped up in the air and into the waiting hands of Carter. The former Jets nickel corner has had a flashy training camp playing a few different positions. Vic Fangio on Wednesday said the safety battle between Carter and Marcus Epps hasn’t been called yet."
Read more: Commanders' training camp nightmare is music to Eagles fans' ears
Epps was always going to be the favorite to win the starting safety job, but Carter has now given the Eagles a reason to possibly rotate him into the lineup. This battle might already be over with the fan base, but Carter has a chance to still make an impact on this team in 2026. It may take a while for him to get there, but Carter could be a guy to watch out for.
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