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It’s reasonable to assume that if the Philadelphia Eagles go all-in on making a big-time roster move before the start of the 2026-27 season, they’ll likely focus on the defensive side of the ball.
The Athletic’s Zach Berman recently floated trade scenarios with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals that could intrigue the Eagles.
“The Eagles could look for a more dynamic player,” Berman wrote last Wednesday. “When analyzing depth charts and understanding the trajectory of teams, three safeties who would make sense are Cleveland’s Grant Delpit, Atlanta’s Jessie Bates, and Arizona’s Budda Baker.”
“I’m not suggesting they’re available, but they fit the profile of safeties who could potentially be pried away. Delpit is entering the final year of a three-year, $36-million contract extension, and the Browns drafted Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round. Delpit turns 28 in September, has been a consistent starter on a good defense, and would bring versatility and range.”
While Delpit is an intriguing young safety who’s on a positive trajectory, acquiring Bates or Baker would undoubtedly be more impactful moves. Bates’ high-level anticipatory chops, big-time playmaking, closing speed, and textbook tackling make him a game-changing veteran defender capable of assisting a Super Bowl-contending franchise.
Bates recorded 98 tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble in 17 games with the Falcons last season. Baker is easily the most dynamic safety of the bunch, though, as he’s used his awe-inspiring physicality, elite run defense, tremendous coverage skills, and overall versatility to total triple-digit tackles six times in his career and routinely post impressive Pro Football Focus grades (he is coming off a down season with the Cardinals, though).
At the end of the day, if the Eagles decide they want to bolster their safety depth ahead of a pivotal campaign, Philadelphia should be open to Berman's wise suggestions.
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