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The Eagles are definitely going to need to upgrade the safety position in the offseason. While those reinforcements will likely come from free agency and the draft, current Eagles starter Nate Allen is about to hit the market and could be worthy of re-signing. The four-year player performed well in Billy Davis' defense and started all 16 games for the Eagles this season.
While he started his career on fire in his rookie year, a serious leg injury derailed his first year. His 2011 and 2012 seasons were tough to bare, as he failed to show the play-making ability that he showed as a rookie and missed tackles left and right. However, 2013 served as a re-awakening for the former South Florida defensive back.
All had a career-high 82 tackles this season and collected a sack and an interception. Instead of being a liability in the passing game, Allen performed well when his number was called and he greatly improved on his tackling prowess from his first three seasons.
Safety play across the league has been underwhelming, so it would not be a shock if Allen received a solid market. He has started 44 games in four seasons, so his experience could be a valuable commodity in free agency. He wants to return to Philadelphia, but is open to other possibilities, according to Birds 24/7's Tim McManus. For what it's worth, Allen met with general manager Howie Roseman on Monday and the player said the talk was positive, according to McManus.
