The Las Vegas Raiders hoped to get an experienced leader in their young secondary last offseason, and that is what they got with safety Marcus Epps.
Fresh off a trip to Super Bowl LVII as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Epps signed a two-year, $12-million contract with Las Vegas last March.
The veteran safety had a career-season in his final year with Philadelphia, having totaled 94 combined tackles, four for losses, six passes defensed, and a forced fumble. He was instrumental in the Eagles' 2022-23 playoff run, posting 13 combined tackles through their three postseason games. He played every defensive snap in the Super Bowl.
Epps also received $880,384 from the NFL's performance-based pay program for that season, the most of all eligible players.
The 2019 sixth-round pick made his presence felt in his first year with the Silver and Black through his mentorship of Tre'von Moehrig. The two were paired together in the Raiders' secondary this season, which proved to be extremely beneficial for Moehrig, who had a career season, having recorded 83 combined tackles, one for a loss, eight passes defensed, three interceptions and two sacks.
Individually, however, Epps did not have a great year in coverage as he registered just three passes defensed and no interceptions. He posted just 66 combined tackles, almost 30 less than his total from 2022-23.
Epps' future with Las Vegas will obviously depend on the the Raiders' regime for next season. He could be a solid trade piece if Las Vegas decides to move on from Epps and make Moehrig their veteran leader in the safety room. In such a case, the Raiders would likely re-sign up-and-coming safety Isaiah Pola-Mao or find another safety in free agency or via trade.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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