Eagles Urged to Target $15 Million Veteran Safety as Options 'Running Out'

Philadelphia Eagles writer argues team should quickly sign free agent Taylor Rapp to address safety need.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:49am

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The Philadelphia Eagles have a need at safety after losing starter Reed Blankenship in free agency. Eagles writer Anthony DiBona believes the team should target veteran safety Taylor Rapp, who is still available on the market, to fill the void. Rapp has started 72 games over 7 NFL seasons, most recently with the Buffalo Bills. DiBona also suggests the Eagles should re-sign their own free agent safety Marcus Epps to provide continuity in the secondary.

Why it matters

The Eagles' defense took a hit with the departure of Blankenship, who played a significant role in 2025. Signing a proven veteran like Rapp could help stabilize the safety position, while retaining Epps would provide familiarity and continuity. These moves would be crucial for the Eagles as they look to build on their success and make another playoff push.

The details

Rapp, a former 2nd-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams, has started 72 games in 7 NFL seasons. Over the past 2 years with the Bills, he started 20 games, recording 108 combined tackles, 6 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions. The 26-year-old safety has made $15.66 million in his career so far. The Eagles are in the safety market after losing Blankenship, who started 46 games for them over the past 3 seasons and played a career-high 1,008 defensive snaps in 2025. Rapp could be a capable replacement, having played at least 775 defensive snaps in 4 of his 6 NFL seasons. The Eagles could also look to re-sign their own free agent Marcus Epps, who played a rotational role in 2022.

  • On March 6, the Buffalo Bills released Taylor Rapp.
  • In 2025, Reed Blankenship played a career-high 1,008 defensive snaps for the Eagles.

The players

Taylor Rapp

A former 2nd-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams, Rapp has started 72 games in 7 NFL seasons. Over the past 2 years with the Buffalo Bills, he started 20 games, posting 108 combined tackles, 6 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions.

Reed Blankenship

A defensive back who started 46 games over the past 3 seasons for the Eagles. In 2025, he played a career-high 1,008 defensive snaps, the 3rd-most on the team.

Marcus Epps

A safety who has played for the Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders. He re-joined the Eagles in 2022 and played 250 defensive snaps and 119 special teams snaps.

Andrew Mukuba

A rookie safety for the Eagles in 2025 who could potentially start alongside a veteran addition like Rapp or the re-signed Epps.

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What they’re saying

“Eagles are quickly running out of options at safety in free agency”

— Anthony DiBona, Eagles writer (X)

“Philadelphia should re-sign Marcus Epps and possibly bring in another veteran too.”

— Anthony DiBona, Eagles writer (X)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to decide whether to re-sign Marcus Epps and if they will pursue a veteran free agent safety like Taylor Rapp to address their need at the position.

The takeaway

The Eagles have a significant hole to fill at safety after losing a key starter in Reed Blankenship. Signing a proven veteran like Taylor Rapp and retaining their own free agent Marcus Epps could help stabilize the secondary and provide the necessary experience and continuity for the Eagles' defense.