For the first time since 2014, the Philadelphia Eagles will not have a returning starting safety, making this season for former Pittsburgh Steelers starter Terrell Edmunds critically important to the Eagles' success. 

For some time, the safety veteran was Marcus Epps, who had been on the team since 2019. And then the Eagles also traded for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson near the start of the 2022 season. But both names left in free agency, making Edmunds an all-important name as he grasps Philadelphia's system. 

"We have a lot of smart guys, a lot of guys that want to learn, that want to be the best group," Edmunds said. "A lot of guys that are willing to listen to each other. A lot of guys that can pick up on stuff fast. So I wouldn’t say that it’s a concern, just that we have to constantly work."

Returning from last season is Reed Blankenship, an undrafted free agent who started five games because of an injury to Garnder-Johnson in 2022, and K'Von Wallace, who wasn't good enough to pass Blankenship in the depth chart. 

Insert Edmunds, who is expected to battle with Blankenship for the starting safety spot throughout training camp, making him a necessary piece in pushing the position group forward. 

It also shouldn't be forgotten that the Eagles drafted Sydney Brown in the third round and he could be involved in the training camp battle at the safety position. 

However, out of all the names listed, Edmunds is the best and most consistent safety. He started in all 15 games he played last season, collecting 70 tackles and two sacks. 

And when looking at the natural ability to lead, he makes the most sense as the team's starting safety. 

As July 25 approaches, the safety position will come down to Edmunds and his ability to differentiate himself from the others in the group. If he can, the secondary is in good hands. And if he can't, well, then the defense should start worrying. 

Jalen Hurts on his commitment to improvement: ‘There is no thrill in being satisfied’

Jalen Hurts knows that more is to come.

Eagles’ Dallas Goedert: Jalen Hurts is a ‘top two’ quarterback in the NFL

Jalen Hurts burst onto the scene during the 2022 NFL season.

Feature image via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.