It’s fair to think that if the Philadelphia Eagles decide to make a splash with a major roster addition prior to the 2026-27 season, their attention will probably turn to upgrading the defense.
In a recent piece, The Athletic’s Zach Berman floated a few trade possibilities involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals that could be worth Philadelphia’s consideration.
“The Eagles could be in the market for a more dynamic presence,” Berman wrote last Wednesday. “Looking at roster constructions and team trajectories, three safeties who fit the bill are Cleveland’s Grant Delpit, Atlanta’s Jessie Bates, and Arizona’s Budda Baker.”
“I’m not stating they’re on the block, but they match the profile of safeties who might be attainable in a deal. Delpit is entering the final season of his three-year, $36-million extension, and Cleveland used a second-round pick on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Delpit turns 28 in September, has been a steady starter within a strong defensive unit, and offers both flexibility and range.”
Though Delpit presents an interesting case as a young safety with an upward career arc, bringing in Bates or Baker would clearly carry more weight in terms of immediate impact. Bates brings elite anticipation, a knack for splash plays, rapid closing burst, and fundamentally sound tackling qualities that make him a difference-making veteran presence for a team with championship aspirations.
Over 17 games with Atlanta last season, Bates compiled 98 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. Baker, on the other hand, stands out as the most explosive of the three, relying on his striking physicality, stout run-stopping, refined coverage ability, and positional adaptability to notch 100-plus tackles in six different seasons while consistently earning strong Pro Football Focus marks though it’s worth noting he did experience a dip in performance with the Cardinals this past year.
Ultimately, should the Eagles choose to reinforce their safety room heading into a crucial year, Philadelphia would be wise to keep Berman’s thoughtful proposals in mind.
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