The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for another Super Bowl run in 2025. Of course, expectations are sky-high once again. Beneath the surface of a championship-caliber roster, though, lies a brewing position battle that could lead to a significant shake-up. Training camp always brings competition, surprises, and sometimes, farewells. This year, one name in particular stands out as an obvious trade candidate. The reasoning is as strategic as it is inevitable. Sure, the headlines have focused on the Eagles’ revamped offense or their title defense. However, another storyline is emerging: the safety room is getting crowded. A former draft gem may be the odd man out.
Shedding Salary, Stockpiling Potential
Training camp is almost here. The Eagles must make some major decisions about individuals on their roster.
The Eagles have already made one, with edge rusher Bryce Huff. He was officially dealt to the San Francisco 49ers for a mid-round draft pick. It was a necessary decision to save the organization $15 million in salary cap space by 2025. It may also reduce what had already been a distraction with an upcoming plot during the summer.
However, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman might not be done yet. There are more players he might perhaps deal away. One proposed exchange might have far-reaching effects in a position fight that is only just getting started.
This summer, the Eagles properly invested in the draft while letting go of some expensive veterans. They selected Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba in the second round. That indicates not just depth planning but also a potential change of guard at Vic Fangio’s defensive back end. Meanwhile, Fangio has left the public wondering with cryptic remarks regarding the versatility of players like Cooper DeJean and Tristin McCollum. The message is clear: competition is fierce. Not everyone will arrive in September wearing midnight green.
Here we’ll try to look at the obvious Philadelphia Eagles trade candidate entering the 2025 NFL training camp.
Writing on the Wall
Sydney Brown was a 2023 third-round pick. He was once viewed as the future at safety in Philadelphia. As a rookie, he showed flashes of explosiveness and physicality, even notching a pick-six and a pair of forced fumbles. However, his momentum was cut short by a torn ACL in Week 18 of the 2023 season. He also played sparingly in 2024—just 79 snaps and seven tackles.
Some outlets recently named him a potential breakout candidate for 2025. They cited his athletic upside and penchant for playmaking. That said, even that vote of confidence may not be enough to keep him on the roster. The Eagles’ decision to draft Mukuba in the second round sends a strong message about their long-term vision at safety. That vision may no longer include Brown.
Add to that the presence of Fangio. He wasn’t part of the regime that drafted Brown. Fangio has made it clear he values ballhawks with high football IQ and physicality. When asked about the rookie, head coach Nick Sirianni raved, “You can tell the football is constantly on his mind… It just oozes off the tape how physical he plays.”
If Mukuba wins the starting job in training camp, Brown could become the next casualty in Howie Roseman’s roster maneuvering.
Logjam in the Secondary
The Eagles don’t just have Mukuba and Brown battling for reps. McCollum has drawn praise from the coaching staff. There’s also DeJean, the ultra-versatile sophomore who could play boundary corner, slot, or even rotate in as a safety in select packages.
Fangio has said DeJean’s role will “depend on matchups,” but any snaps DeJean takes at safety are snaps that won’t go to Brown.
It’s a simple numbers game. Philadelphia can’t carry five safeties with starter potential. This is especially true in a system that will demand fluidity and cross-training between DBs. Brown has the least schematic connection to Fangio and the most trade value of the group. It’s not a matter of talent—it’s a matter of fit, timing, and opportunity.
Brown Still Has Value
The Eagles may not have room for Brown, but that doesn’t mean the league has forgotten about him. In 25 career games, Brown has totaled 52 tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one pick-six. At just 25 years old, he remains a rangy, instinctive safety. He can contribute in a cover-2 or hybrid scheme.
There are multiple team that could take a flier on Brown. Clubs like the Titans, Panthers, or Raiders could all use a young safety with Brown’s athleticism and upside.
And that’s where Roseman thrives. The Eagles’ GM has built his reputation on trading players before their value drops. With Mukuba pushing for a starting role, moving Brown now could bring back a mid-to-late-round pick that Philadelphia can later flip or develop.
Trade Makes Too Much Sense
It’s never easy parting with a player who still holds promise, but NFL front offices aren’t in the business of sentiment. Sydney Brown may well go on to thrive elsewhere—and that’s fine for the Eagles, so long as they maximize value while they still can.
With a deep safety room, a new defensive scheme, and an incoming playmaker in Andrew Mukuba, the Philadelphia Eagles have every reason to deal from a position of strength. Brown is the most obvious trade candidate entering 2025 training camp. And if Bryce Huff’s departure was any indication, the Super Bowl champs won’t hesitate to pull the trigger again.
Sydney Brown’s time in Philadelphia may soon be up—not because he failed, but because the future is arriving fast.
