Impending free agent S Nate Allen thinks there's a good chance he'll re-sign with the Eagles. Beat writer Les Bowen notes that Allen might have improved more any defender on the Eagles roster during the 2013 season. That's because he set such a low bar through his first three NFL seasons and the beginning of this season. Allen still graded out 84th among 88 qualifying safeties in Pro Football Focus' ranks this season and will not find a warm market come March. Improving the back end of the secondary should be a major priority for GM Howie Roseman.

The Eagles confirmed that Nate Allen will continue to start at strong safety.

Nate Allen and Patrick Chung will be the Eagles starting safeties in Monday night's opener against the Redskins. Allen rotated with rookie Earl Wolff throughout the preseason and will continue to do so into the regular season. It's a gaping hole in an Eagles defense that is going to struggle badly this year. Their trio of safeties is arguably the worst in the entire NFL. In the 2010 draft, the Eagles used the No. 13 pick on DE Brandon Graham, passing on No. 14 pick S Earl Thomas and No. 15 pick Jason Pierre-Paul.

Nate Allen and Pat Chung opened OTAs as the Eagles' starting safeties. Allen is getting the first crack at free safety, but Kenny Phillips will also get plenty of first-team reps and should probably come away with the job by Week 1. Allen is entering the final year of his contract, and the former second-round pick is running out of chances to prove himself.

The Philadelphia Inquirer confirms the "clock is ticking" on fourth-year S Nate Allen's time with the Eagles. Allen's 2013 roster spot should be safe because he costs just $642,000, but this could be his final year in Philly after the signings of Kenny Phillips and Pat Chung. Allen was an NFL Defensive ROY candidate in 2010 before rupturing his patellar tendon that December. He hasn't been half the player ever since.

The Philadelphia Inquirer expects Nate Allen to stay in the mix for the starting free safety job. Newly signed Kenny Phillips is far from guaranteed the gig. He's had chronic knee issues and is working on a team-friendly one-year contract. Although Allen has been a disappointment since going 37th overall in the 2010 draft, he could benefit greatly from the Eagles' scheme change.

The Eagles are expected to address the safety position this offseason. The Philly Mag: Birds 24/7 Blog says to "not be surprised" if the Eagles add help through free agency and the draft. Safeties Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman are entering the final years of their rookie deals, while Colt Anderson is a restricted free agent. So, by the time Week 1 rolls around, Philadelphia could look awfully different on the back end.

Eagles FS Nate Allen has lost his starting job.

Eagles FS Nate Allen (hamstring) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Saints. Allen didn't practice on Friday or Saturday and was a true game-time decision. Trainers kept a close eye on him during pregame warm-ups but ended up not giving Allen the green light. David Sims will start at free safety. The Eagles also declared DE Darryl Tapp, DE Vinny Curry, WR Mardy Gilyard, RG Danny Watkins, OL Nate Menkin, and QB Trent Edwards inactive. Tapp's wife is having a baby, so DT Mike Patterson will take his place along the defensive line. Dennis Kelly will start at right guard in place of Watkins.

Eagles FS Nate Allen (hamstring) missed practice again on Saturday and is officially listed as questionable for Monday night versus the Saints. Allen is going to travel with the team and get treatment up until game time. If he can't suit up, David Sims is expected to get the start. Sims has never played a defensive snap in the NFL, so Jimmy Graham could have a monster night over the deep middle.