Philadelphia Eagles Add Former 49ers Safety Jaylen Mahoney
The Philadelphia Eagles appear to have one of the league’s stronger defenses on paper, but the safety position remains an area that could use additional depth. Rather than making a major move for an established veteran, Philadelphia is exploring lower-risk additions to find players who could fit defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system.
The Eagles recently signed former San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jaylen Mahoney, who most recently played for the Orlando Storm in the UFL.
Mahoney started six consecutive games for Orlando before suffering a season-ending injury. During that stretch, he recorded 30 tackles, five defensive stops and two pass breakups.
Mahoney’s NFL Experience
Mahoney entered the NFL in 2024 as an undrafted rookie with the 49ers. He appeared in one game for San Francisco before spending part of the 2025 season on the New York Jets’ practice squad.
His college career at Vanderbilt showed plenty of promise, but his physical testing likely contributed to him going undrafted. Mahoney measured 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds, numbers that placed him on the borderline for NFL evaluators.
The NFL draft process often comes down to extremely small differences. Had Mahoney been an inch taller, a few pounds heavier and slightly faster, he might have received a Day 3 draft selection.
Still, his college tape showcased several qualities that could translate to the professional level. Vanderbilt Hustler’s Anish Mago highlighted Mahoney’s ability to attack downhill, make plays in space and consistently deliver tackles. He was one of Vanderbilt’s most reliable tacklers and demonstrated his physicality throughout his college career, including a 16-tackle performance against Georgia.
Eagles Need Secondary Depth
Philadelphia’s decision to sign Mahoney comes as the team deals with a shortage of healthy defensive backs.
Following the release of J.T. Gray and the placement of Ja’Quinden Jackson on the waived/injured list, the Eagles had two available roster spots. They used them to sign Mahoney and running back Jordan Mims, bringing the roster to 91 players with the benefit of the team’s international player exemption.
The additions appear to be primarily aimed at helping Philadelphia get through the preseason finale, as injuries have left the team short-handed at both running back and defensive back.
At safety, Andre Sam, Maximus Pulley and Kapena Gushiken are competing for the final roster spot. Cole Wisniewski is also involved in the competition but missed Monday’s practice after suffering a concussion, leaving his status for Friday uncertain.
Mahoney is officially listed as a defensive back, giving Philadelphia some flexibility. Although he played safety during his lone NFL appearance, he could potentially see snaps at cornerback as well.
The Eagles are dealing with several injuries in the secondary. Jakorian Bennett and Ambry Thomas are among the players working through injuries, while Mac McWilliams is also dealing with a shoulder issue. Isaiah Bolden, Shaun Wade and Gushiken are currently among the healthier defensive backs available.
Eagles Also Add Jordan Mims
Philadelphia also brought in running back Jordan Mims to provide additional depth for the preseason finale.
Mims entered the NFL in 2023 as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills but never appeared in a game for Buffalo. He later joined the New Orleans Saints, playing 13 games over two seasons.
His NFL production came primarily during the 2024 season, when he rushed 20 times for 70 yards and caught 12 passes for 71 yards. He later spent time with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, appearing in one game and playing nine special-teams snaps.
Mims was most recently part of the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp before being waived earlier this month. He also spent time with the 49ers during minicamp.
The Eagles needed another running back because of their limited healthy options. If Will Shipley sits out the preseason finale, Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele would be the primary backs available. Pierce has been dealing with a hamstring injury but was upgraded to limited participation Monday, while Steele continues competing for a roster spot and working at fullback.
Mims could therefore receive some opportunities if Pierce and Steele both see action.
For Mahoney, the situation presents a similar opportunity. Philadelphia needs another body in the secondary, particularly at safety, and his ability to play multiple defensive-back positions could work in his favor.
The signing may have been made simply to help the Eagles navigate the preseason finale, but Mahoney will have an opportunity to show that his physical limitations don’t define his potential.
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