Eagles' Safety Room Headlined by Mukuba, Epps

Second-year pro Drew Mukuba and veteran Marcus Epps lead the way in the Eagles' safety group heading into 2026.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football safety making a play, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant green and silver colors.The Eagles' safety duo of Drew Mukuba and Marcus Epps will be tasked with anchoring the backend of the defense in 2026.Dallas Today

As the Philadelphia Eagles continue to shape their 2026 roster, the safety position has emerged as a key area of focus. With the departure of team captain Reed Blankenship, the onus falls on second-year pro Drew Mukuba and veteran Marcus Epps to anchor the backend of the defense. The team may still look to add to the group through the draft, trade, or free agency, but Mukuba and Epps are currently slated to be the starters.

Why it matters

The Eagles' safety room underwent significant change this offseason, losing a trusted leader in Blankenship. Mukuba and Epps will now be tasked with stabilizing the backend, with the team likely to supplement the position further. How the safety group comes together will be a crucial factor in the Eagles' defensive success in 2026.

The details

Mukuba, a 2025 second-round pick, flashed plenty of promise during his abbreviated rookie campaign before a fractured ankle ended his season prematurely. In 11 games (10 starts), Mukuba recorded two interceptions, 46 tackles, three passes defended, and a half-sack. The Texas product is expected to be ready for spring practices and is poised for a breakout sophomore season. Epps, 30, re-signed with the Eagles and will provide veteran experience and stability to the group. The former starter with the Eagles and Raiders appeared in 12 games (four starts) last season, producing 21 tackles.

  • Mukuba suffered a fractured ankle on November 23, 2025, ending his rookie season prematurely.
  • Epps re-signed with the Eagles in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Drew Mukuba

A 2025 second-round pick who flashed plenty of promise during his abbreviated rookie campaign before a fractured ankle ended his season prematurely. The Texas product is expected to be ready for spring practices and is poised for a breakout sophomore season.

Marcus Epps

A 30-year-old veteran who re-signed with the Eagles in the 2026 offseason. Epps, a former starter with the Eagles and Raiders, will provide experience and stability to the safety group.

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What they’re saying

“I was bullish on Mukuba's impact at the next level leading into the 2025 NFL Draft, and nothing has changed. The 23-year-old boasts an advanced football IQ, coupled with exceptional instincts and ball-hawking tendencies. He will be positioned to turn in loose in what I'm expecting to be a breakthrough sophomore showing.”

— Andrew DiCecco, Staff Reporter/Content Producer

What’s next

The Eagles are expected to continue evaluating the safety position and may look to add to the group through the 2026 NFL Draft, a trade, or a late-wave free agent signing.

The takeaway

The Eagles' safety room is headlined by the promising second-year pro Drew Mukuba and the veteran presence of Marcus Epps. While the team may still look to supplement the position, Mukuba and Epps will be tasked with stabilizing the backend of the defense in 2026.