The Philadelphia Eagles are signing veteran free agent safety Johnathan Cyprien pending a physical, Adam Schefter reported on Friday morning.
The 29-year-old Cyprien worked out for the Eagles in early June and now has been brought in for added depth at three positions.
With the signing, here are four takeaways from Cyprien being added to the roster.
The Eagles were seeking depth behind Jenkins and Rodney McLeod
The Birds appeared to already have safety depth on the team with Andrew Sendejo, Tre Sullivan, Blake Countess, Deiondre’ Hall, and Trae Elston all being reserves. Is the move an indication of McLeod not being fully healed or Howie Roseman just looking for the best roster he can put together.
Cyprien could play the role of speedy linebacker
Cyprien is a tall physical safety, who is capable of playing a small linebacker position, thus saving some wear and tear on Malcolm Jenkins who normally moves into the box on certain nickel packages.
Compensatory strategy
Howie Roseman is always wheeling and dealing and despite Doug Pederson giving Andrew Sendejo the vote of confidence earlier this week, the Eagles ultimate would recoup a compensatory draft pick if he doesn’t make the roster.
Does Cyprien have anything left in the tank?
After being drafted by the Jaguars, Cyprien had a 100 tackles in each of his first four seasons but has fallen over a cliff and is two years removed from being graded the eighth-worst safety in the NFL (min. 400 snaps) by Pro Football Focus. He could be a good signing or a guy on his last legs who don’t make the roster.
