Reunion unlikely between Eagles and Super Bowl LII safety Malcolm Jenkins

Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins raised some eyebrows earlier this week after hinting at a reunion with the team. However, on Thursday, Jenkins threw cold water on all the excitement. 

The 34-year-old officially retired in June, spending 2021, his final season in the league, with the New Orleans Saints, the team that drafted him in 2009. Jenkins still had two years remaining on his contract with the Saints, so if he decided to come out of retirement, they'd still own his rights, making a reunion in Philly less likely. 

On Tuesday, Jenkins told NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark that he was working out and still in good shape, adding that, if called upon, he could still play. 

"It's not far-fetched. I'm still in it," Jenkins said. "I do enjoy my seat watching as a fan, but I could come in for a stretch." 

Jenkins spent six seasons with the Eagles, from 2014 to 2019, making the Pro Bowl twice (2015, 2017) and helping Philadelphia to a victory in Super Bowl LII. In 96 career games with the Eagles, Jenkins recorded 406 tackles, with 12 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions. 

The Eagles have a need at safety after losing the NFL's interception leader, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, to a lacerated kidney Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers. While the injury isn't a season-ender, Gardner-Johnson's availability is up in the air for the next few weeks. 

In the meantime, the Eagles must turn to undrafted rookie Reed Blankenship to fill the void. Blankenship was impressive in his first real playing time on defense, coming away with six tackles, a pass defense, and an interception of Aaron Rodgers in a 40-33 Eagles' victory.