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Eagles Target Jalen Thompson as Ideal Free-Agent Safety

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 13:03 GMT by Sporting News
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The Eagles’ defensive backroom needs

Philadelphia’s secondary has been a mixed bag in recent seasons. The team’s starting safety, a player who has been with the organization for nearly a decade, has been criticized for his limited coverage range and tendency to get flagged for pass‑interference. Meanwhile, the backup safety position is occupied by a younger player who still has developmental work to do, and the safety spot has suffered injuries over the past two years, leaving the Eagles with an exposed backfield. The coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Donnie Jones, has expressed a desire to find a safety who can play “all‑around football” – an athlete who can provide solid coverage against both the run and the pass while also serving as a reliable ball‑carrier and play‑caller on the field.

The “best fit” free‑agent safety

The Sporting News profile identifies former New England Patriots safety Jalen Thompson as the Eagles’ best fit free‑agent safety. Thompson, who last played for the Patriots in 2022, is known for his aggressive play‑making ability, exceptional football IQ, and versatility. Thompson’s career statistics include 18 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and a total of 365 tackles over five seasons. His performance during the Patriots’ 2021 run, which culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, showcased his ability to read the quarterback, close gaps on the run, and lock down short‑to‑mid range passing lanes.

The article cites a number of key attributes that make Thompson an attractive fit for the Eagles:

1. Coverage proficiency – Thompson’s high football intelligence allows him to anticipate routes and play zone or man coverage effectively. His average of 0.7 passes defended per game in 2022 highlights his ability to disrupt passing lanes.
2. Run support – At 5’10” and 190 pounds, Thompson possesses the ideal blend of speed and strength to make tackles in space. In 2022 he had 73 total tackles, with 18 of those being tackles for loss, underscoring his aggressiveness in the run game.
3. Ball‑hunting instincts – Thompson has a knack for breaking up passes and making hard hits, and his 4 forced fumbles over the last two seasons demonstrate his knack for turning the ball over.
4. Leadership qualities – In interviews, Thompson has spoken about his role in mentoring younger players, a trait that would benefit the Eagles’ younger safeties such as Malik Ford, who is still working to find his footing.

Why Thompson is a “best fit” for Philadelphia

The article discusses how Thompson’s skill set aligns with the Eagles’ defensive philosophy under Donnie Jones. Jones has recently shifted the defense to a hybrid 4‑3/3‑4 base that relies heavily on safeties who can act as the “third defender” in the run game and provide additional pass coverage over the top. Thompson’s ability to transition between man and zone coverage, coupled with his ball‑hunting instincts, fits seamlessly into this design.

The article also notes that Thompson’s relatively low contract demand – a modest veteran free‑agent fee – would allow Philadelphia to keep its salary‑cap flexibility while simultaneously addressing a high‑priority need. Thompson’s last contract with the Patriots was a 3‑year, $27 million deal that included a $6.5 million signing bonus, but his free‑agent status has opened the possibility for a one‑year, $2 million deal with a small performance bonus.

Other free‑agent safety options

While Thompson tops the list, the article also lists other safeties who could have been considered. These include former Atlanta Falcons safety Mike Johnson, who finished the 2021 season with 4 interceptions and 1 forced fumble, and former Detroit Lions safety Deion Jones, a veteran known for his leadership in the secondary. The piece briefly examines each player’s strengths and shortcomings relative to the Eagles’ needs, noting that Johnson’s pass‑coverage skills were adequate but his run support was subpar, whereas Jones’s leadership could have been a plus but he has not been a high‑impact playmaker in recent years.

Follow‑up links and additional context

The Sporting News article links to several supplementary resources that deepen the story:

• A direct link to Jalen Thompson’s NFL.com player profile, which lists his career statistics, game‑by‑game highlights, and injury history. Thompson’s profile underscores that he has only missed two games in his last five seasons, making him a durable option.
• A link to the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster page on the official team website, which outlines the depth chart at safety and highlights the current contributors in the secondary. The roster page emphasizes the limited production from the backfield, underscoring the urgency of adding a veteran presence.
• A reference to the NFL’s free‑agent database, which offers a broader view of all defensive backs in free‑agent status. The database confirms that Thompson is one of a handful of safety prospects who are expected to test the market in the coming weeks.

What the Eagles could do next

The article concludes by outlining possible next steps for the Eagles. With Thompson in free agency, the team’s front office could negotiate a short‑term deal and evaluate his fit during training camp. The piece suggests that, regardless of the outcome, the Eagles should continue to monitor the free‑agent market and keep a close eye on emerging talent at the safety position. Additionally, the article points out that the coaching staff should work closely with the scouting department to assess how Thompson would integrate into the defensive playbook and culture.

In sum, Sporting News paints a picture of an Eagles team actively looking to plug a critical hole in its secondary, and it singles out Jalen Thompson as the ideal candidate who can provide the coverage, run support, and leadership that the team urgently needs. The article underscores how Thompson’s skill set aligns with the Eagles’ defensive scheme, the financial practicality of signing him, and how the free‑agent market offers a rare opportunity to acquire a proven veteran without a massive financial commitment.