Crafting the initial 53-man roster is always a numbers game for NFL teams, and when it comes to the safety position, the Philadelphia Eagles have three proverbial locks in Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown and second-round rookie Andrew Mukuba. The returning Tristin McCollum should also be in the mix come training camp after catching defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s eye in 2024.
Per Eagles insider Anthony DiBona, a fifth safety made a strong case for himself during OTAs this spring in undrafted second-year pro Andre’ Sam.
“Prior to the start of OTAs, many expected Sydney Brown and Drew Mukuba to compete for the starting job at safety next to Reed Blankenship,” DiBona wrote for The Philly Special Show. “Yet second-year safety Andre’ Sam appears to be involved in the competition as well. After spending his rookie season on Philadelphia’s practice squad, Sam is building a strong case to make the Eagles final roster.”
Sam, 26, made his NFL debut in Week 14 last season, though he only saw snaps on special teams that day as Philly grinded out an ugly win over the Carolina Panthers. Even if he ends up being a training camp standout this summer, Sam faces an uphill battle to avoid another stint on the practice squad.
Philly kept 11 defensive backs on its initial 53-man roster in 2024, including five safeties. One of those players was versatile veteran Avonte Maddox, who wound up opening the year as the Eagles’ starting nickel corner. Another was James Bradberry, who landed on season-ending injured reserve barely 24-hours after roster cut-down day.
The Eagles could keep six cornerbacks again, with Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree Jackson and Mac McWilliams the assumed roster locks, and Eli Ricks on the bubble for the sixth spot. If Sam balls out in the preseason, his chances will likely boil down to that numbers game again: Will Philly keep four safeties on the initial 53? And can Sam beat out McCollum (or Ricks) for what could be the final defensive back spot?
There’s a lot to shake out between now and cut-down day, but Sam should definitely be on fans’ radar during the early stages of training camp next month.
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