Eagles Question of the Day: Which former player would you most want back?

On Monday, BLG put out a very comprehensive list of 76 former Eagles’ player who are still in the league, not to mention quite a few players who have made their way to the CFL. Many of these players are guys who signed on for an offseason or were one-and-done type contracts who didn’t really contribute much on the field. But, there are also a good number of former players who were integral parts of the Super Bowl winning 2017 season and former leaders on and off the field.

The list may be long, but I didn’t even need to look at it to know who I would want back in Philly if given the chance: Malcolm Jenkins.

Jenkins was the first player since Brian Dawkins to be so consistently dominant at the safety position and defense in general, and someone who was such a critical part of the leadership and culture of the team. The Eagles didn’t pay Dawkins, and they made a choice years later not to pay Jenkins... both were terrible decisions by the Eagles front office.

It’s no secret that I’m a Buckeye fan, but my appreciation for Jenkins goes far beyond his collegiate affiliation. The fact that to this day he’s still so committed to the city of Philadelphia and the social justice initiatives he began when he was still with the Eagles speaks to his character. And, don’t forget, even after he signed with the Saints, he spent part of the pandemic offseason helping train Rodney McLeod and then recently acquired Will Parks.

His age wouldn’t be a concern of mine either, because he’s always managed to stay healthier than even his youngest teammates, and there’s really no replicating his experience, knowledge of the game, and competitiveness.

So, which still-active former Eagles would you most want back in Philly?