July 2, 2026, 2:01 p.m. ET

The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for another run at a Super Bowl, and this edition of FlyEaglesFly features plenty of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players, coaches, and front-office members are crucial to the team’s success this season.

Every day from now until the start of training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Eagles for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026, and tackle the most significant question facing them this year.

Next up is Marcus Epps, a veteran safety who returned to Philadelphia and could give Vic Fangio’s defense stability on the backend.

Background

Position: S

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Age: 30

Experience: 8th NFL season

2026 cap hit: $1.55 million

Marcus Epps lands at No. 27 on the Eagles’ list of the 30 most important players for 2026 because Philadelphia needs clarity, communication, and veteran reliability at safety. The Eagles brought Epps back on a one-year deal after also adding J.T. Gray and agreeing to trade Sydney Brown to the Atlanta Falcons, a series of moves that reshaped the back end of Vic Fangio’s defense. He knows the organization, has starting experience, and gives the Eagles a dependable veteran option next to Andrew Mukuba, who enters his second season after starting as a rookie before a broken ankle cut short his 2025 campaign. With Reed Blankenship no longer in the building, Epps has a chance to become an important stabilizing piece.

2025 recap

Epps returned to Philadelphia during the 2025 season after spending time with the Las Vegas Raiders. He initially joined the Eagles’ practice squad, was elevated for the opener, and later signed to the active roster. His season included a stint on injured reserve before he returned late in the year, giving Philadelphia experienced safety depth during its Super Bowl run. Epps started down the stretch for Philadelphia and finished the year with 19 total tackles.

For a defense that finished as one of the league’s best, having experienced players available in the secondary mattered, especially as younger defensive backs were asked to handle larger roles.

Epps’ 2025 season also set up his 2026 opportunity. Philadelphia did not bring him back simply as a camp body. The Eagles’ decision to re-sign him after moving Brown created a clear path for Epps to compete for defensive snaps and potentially a starting role.

2026 outlook

Epps enters 2026 with a chance to play a meaningful role in one of the NFL’s most talented secondaries. Mukuba should be a major part of the safety picture if healthy, while Michael Carter II has also worked into the safety mix after arriving as a versatile defensive back. Gray’s value is more tied to special teams, and other defensive backs could compete for back-end roster spots, but Epps has the experience to make a strong case for regular defensive snaps.

The Eagles do not need Epps to be a star. They need him to be assignment-sound, physical enough in the run game, and steady enough in coverage to allow the rest of the secondary to play fast. Fangio’s defense depends on spacing, communication, and avoiding explosive plays, and those are areas where a veteran safety can carry more value than his stat line suggests.

Epps also gives Philadelphia insurance. Mukuba is coming off a significant injury, and the Eagles are still sorting through how best to use Carter, Jones, and other versatile defensive backs. If Epps has a strong camp, he could open the season as a starter or as the trusted third safety in packages that require experience and communication.

Biggest question

Can Marcus Epps hold off the competition and become a reliable starter again?

That is the biggest question entering training camp. Epps has experience and familiarity working in Philadelphia’s defensive structure, but the Eagles have several defensive backs competing for roles and enough flexibility to mix personnel depending on matchups. He has to prove he is healthy, sharp, and still capable of handling regular defensive snaps. If Epps wins a starting job or becomes a trusted rotational safety, his importance will be obvious. Philadelphia’s defense is loaded with young talent, but the back end still needs veterans who can organize the group and reduce mistakes. Epps may not be the flashiest player on the roster, but he could be one of the pieces that help the Eagles’ secondary settle into place.

30 Most Important Eagles of 2026

We’re counting down our 30 Most Important Eagles of 2026. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp.

No. 30 Andy Dalton, No. 29 Markel Bell, No. 28 Eli Stowers