Is Eddie Jackson and Vic Fangio a good combination for the Eagles?
Eddie Jackson may not be the same All-Pro safety he once was during his tenure with the Chicago Bears, but at the age of 30, he could potentially fill a crucial role for the Philadelphia Eagles. The fact that his former coach, Vic Fangio, is now with the Eagles adds to the intrigue. When Fangio assumed the role of running the Eagles’ defense following a challenging conclusion to the 2023-24 season, the expectation was not only for him to bring experienced coaches to his staff but also to bring in players who could enhance his defensive scheme. Jackson, released by Chicago on Thursday, fits the profile of a player who could contribute positively to Fangio’s defensive strategy, providing stability to a defense that may be in need of it.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, Jackson flourished under Fangio’s guidance when Fangio served as the defensive coordinator in Chicago. In 2018, Jackson earned Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors after a remarkable season with six interceptions. However, after Fangio’s departure to become the head coach in Denver, Jackson struggled to replicate that All-Pro level of performance. In 2023, he accumulated 37 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended in 12 starts for the Bears, with a Pro Football Focus grade of 58.6, considered average for his position. While PFF grades are not an exact science, Jackson faced lingering injuries during a season in which Chicago’s defense excelled as one of the top run defenses in the league. His release, along with guard Cody Whitehair, allowed the Bears to save over $20 million in cap space.
Concerning the Eagles, who currently have Reed Blankenship as the only safety under contract for the 2024 offseason, an addition at the safety position seems likely. As the coach who played a pivotal role in shaping Jackson into the player and leader he is today, Fangio might be the key figure to extract the remaining potential of good football in him. The crucial question for Philadelphia revolves around the decision to sign a 30-year-old safety, a position they traditionally do not invest heavily in.
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