The Philadelphia Eagles will be bringing back Jalen Mills, but this time at a new position. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Mills be will returning to Philadelphia on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. ESPN's Josina Anderson added that Mills will be shifting positions over to safety for the upcoming season.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network said that Mills could actually play more of a hybrid role in the secondary. Mills primarily played safety during his time at LSU, though also got plenty of reps at corner.

The move comes in the wake of the Eagles announcing the release of veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins.

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There were some murmurs that the Detroit Lions had interest in the (now former) cornerback if Mills were to hit the free agent market on Wednesday, but Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz evidently wasn't willing to let the young defender get away. Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice writes that the positional shift “has made sense for years,” as Mills “simply doesn't have the speed to keep up with the NFL's faster receivers, while also possessing some positive safety traits, such as his solid tackling … Jim Schwartz prefers that his safeties have corner experience.”

Mills has undoubtedly exceeded expectations since being selected in the seventh round in the 2016 NFL Draft and being moved to cornerback. He has started 34 games (out of a possible 48) in his three seasons in Philly, registering 209 tackles, 37 passes defended and four interceptions. He also allowed a completion percentage of just 57.4 when quarterbacks threw his way in 2019. Mills missed significant time in 2018 and 2019 with a foot sprain but bounced back well after being activated from the PUP list last year.