On the heels of Reed Blankenship’s departure in 2026 NFL free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles have replenished their safety room this offseason. But CBS Sports’s Zachary Pereles has previously called on the Eagles to make another addition at safety — former Dallas Cowboys starter Donovan Wilson.
Pereles made the same argument this week. The CBS analyst named Wilson the best remaining free agency fit for the Eagles.
“The Eagles had two big holes — pass rusher and safety — entering the draft, and they addressed the first by acquiring and extending Jonathan Greenard,” wrote Pereles. “The safety market has thinned considerably, but Wilson could provide versatility and solid tackling.”
Wilson started 75 games for the Cowboys from 2019-25. Dallas drafted the safety in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
During the 2025 NFL season, Wilson posted 71 combined tackles, five pass defenses and two interceptions in 15 games.
Pros & Cons With Eagles Signing Donovan Wilson
The safety could certainly provide starter experience and depth to a position where the Eagles lost a starter in NFL free agency.
Wilson started 75 of 98 games in seven seasons for the Cowboys. He started all but two games for Dallas over the past two seasons.
In 2024, Wilson had a particularly strong season, posting 82 combined tackles, including six tackles for loss. He also had four quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, five pass defenses and an interception.
However, Wilson remains unsigned because he turned 31 years old and didn’t have the most stellar 2025 campaign. He experienced a drop in most statistical categories while starting for one of the worst defenses in the league last year.
The Cowboys were particularly bad in pass defense during the 2025 campaign.
While Wilson could provide versatility and strong tackling in Philadelphia, his coverage skills make him a liability. At Pro Football Focus, Wilson posted a 38.8 grade in coverage, which was fourth-worst among NFL safeties who played at least 50% of his team’s defensive snaps last season.
Interestingly, Blankenship was the worst safety in coverage in that group during 2025.
Eagles Safety Depth Entering 2026 NFL Offseason Workouts
General manager Howie Roseman is one of the most active in the league. So while Wilson could be on his radar, he’s already made a few additions at safety this offseason. In the meantime, there hasn’t been much chatter around the team about adding Wilson.
During NFL free agency, the Eagles signed veterans Marcus Epps and J.T. Gray. Then during the 2026 NFL Draft, the team selected safety Cole Wisniewski.
Still, pundits such as Pereles are likely to continue linking the Eagles to Wilson. The former Cowboys starter is a potential upgrade over Epps. Wilson would also come with a lot more experience than Wisniewski, who was a seventh-round pick.
Wilson could start on Philadelphia’s defense next to fellow safety Andrew Mukuba. Last season, Mukuba posted 46 combined tackles, three pass defenses and two interceptions while starting 10 games as a rookie.
During offseason workouts and training camp, Wisniewski could compete with Gray and other safeties Michael Carter II, Brandon Johnson and Andre’ Sam. The Eagles are also expected to officially sign a couple undrafted free agent safeties.
Eagles Encouraged to Add Ex-Cowboys Starting Safety