When he was drafted, Sydney Brown was considered to be part of the future of the Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary. A hard-hitting safety with good instincts, his potential was sky-high.
But just two years into his NFL career, the former third-round pick finds himself at a crossroads. With an increasingly crowded depth chart after the selection of rookie safety Andrew Mukuba, Brown’s time in Philly could be running out.
In a July 16 article for the Philly Voice, Jimmy Kempski broke down the Eagles’ current roster heading into training camp, and he mentioned just one player as a potential trade candidate: Brown.
Considering his age, the fact that he’s still got two very affordable years left on his rookie contract and the fact that several teams across the NFL could use some depth at safety, we agree with Kempski’s take. Let’s discuss.
Why Safety Sydney Brown Is the Philadelphia Eagles Top Trade Candidate Heading Into the 2025 Season
Mitchell Leff | Getty Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown could be a trade candidate in 2025.
The emergence of Reed Blankenship was one thing. The addition of Mukuba, a second-round ball-hawk who racked up five interceptions, seven pass deflections and four tackles-for-loss as a senior at Texas, is another, and has undoubtedly intensified the competition at safety. The Eagles gave first-team snaps to Mukuba this spring, and if that continues in camp, which it likely will, Brown could find himself expendable.
Financial and roster considerations also could make Brown an attractive chip. With a modest 2025 cap hit ($1.5 million) and an out for potential trade partners in 2027, he’d be a low-cost option for many teams.
And if Brown isn’t able to distinguish himself over Mukuba, Blankenship, and others in training camp, the Eagles may decide to cash in on a player with demonstrable talent but an unclear long-term fit.
Brown Has Shown Flashes Over His 2 Seasons
Brown began his NFL career when the Eagles selected him in the third round (66th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, coming off a standout collegiate career at Illinois where he earned First‑team All‑Big Ten honors.
As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games with six starts, registering 45 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, three passes defensed, a forced fumble and a memorable 99‑yard interception return for a touchdown against the Cardinals Week 17.
That play not only showcased his playmaking ability but also became the highlight of a promising debut season. Unfortunately, his rookie year came to an abrupt halt when he tore his ACL the following week against the New York Giants.
Returning to the field in 2024 after a recovery, Brown was initially placed on the PUP list and didn’t make his debut until Week 7. Over the course of 11 regular season games, he had seven total tackles (six solo), two passes defensed, an interception and forced a fumble. He played primarily in rotational and special teams roles, logging just 79 defensive snaps during the regular season.
Despite limited reps, his coverage skills remained apparent. Pro Football Focus gave him an impressive 89.9 overall grade for the season (that was fourth among safeties), including an 84.6 coverage grade (sixth among safeties).
Considering his limited opportunities on the defensive side of the ball, it’s likely Brown would welcome a change of scenery if it meant he could see the field more. We’ll see how he does when camp hits.
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