​2 Eagles first-stringers in danger of losing starting jobs ahead of 2026 NFL season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.After months and months of anticipation, the Philadelphia Eagles have officially returned to the field to prepare for the 2026 NFL season.With the vast majority of their starters set to return, including as many as nine on either side of the ball, Nick Sirianni’s squad can pretty comfortably focus on the schematic adjustments that come with any new NFL season, especially with Sean Mannion taking over as offensive coordinator, instead of working in new players at positions of need.And yet, while that is the case at most positions, there are a few newcomers who will be changing the math ever so slightly for established starters.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)On offense, things are pretty well set, with rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon and new Jalen Hurts favorite Dontayvion Wicks stepping in for departing AJ Brown and Jahan Dotson, but on defense? Now, that is where things get a little more interesting, as there are two positions in particular where an incumbent could see their starting run ended by one of their teammates.Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesMarcus EppsArguably the biggest and maybe only true training camp battle the Eagles have heading into the 2026 NFL season is at free safety, where Vic Fangio is holding an open competition to decide on the safety spot next to Andrew Mukuba in his nickel defense.In base, the spot is filled, with Cooper DeJean holding things down following the addition of Riq Woolen as CB2 in free agency, but when the All-Pro kicks it down into the slot, the Eagles need someone to hold things down next to the second-year Texas product.After holding things down last season down the stretch, Marcus Epps is probably the favorite in and out of the Jefferson Health Training Complex, but one player who could take on a bigger role and maybe even usurp the Wyoming product entirely is Michael Carter II.Earning his bag as a slot cornerback with the New York Jets, MC2 was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline but didn’t see much action, playing just 106 snaps for the Birds after amending his contract to make the deal work. Re-signing with Philadelphia back in the spring, Carter II was expected to earn some snaps at safety this summer – a position he played at times in college at Duke – and so far, the results have been encouraging.Discussing what he’s seen from Carter II so far in camp, Fangio let it be known that he’s happy with what the veteran defensive back has brought to the table, especially considering he’s filled his plate with plenty to sink his teeth into.“Michael’s had a good camp so far. He might be the only guy — I’d have to think — he’s learning three positions,” Fangio said. “He’s playing safety, nickel, and when we do go to our six-DB stuff, he’s the sixth DB in there. I think he’s had a very good camp