Good news: The Philadelphia Eagles welcome a top player that numerous teams are vying for.
Twenty players were signed to future contracts by the Philadelphia Eagles; six of them were acquired from outside the organization, and the other 14 were already members. In a nutshell, here are all 20.
First, the players who were already on the squad for the current campaign: RB Lew Nichols At Central Michigan, Nichols carried the ball 614 times for 3060 yards (5.0 YPC) and 26 touchdowns in his collegiate career. In the 2021 season, he ran for 1848 yards and 16 touchdowns on 341 (!) carries. 5’10”, 220 lbs., the “bowling ball” kind.
• Wide receiver Griffin Hebert: In late December, Hebert, an undrafted rookie, joined the Eagles’ practice squad. His listed weight is 239 pounds, and he is 6 feet 1 inch. If he makes it to training camp in 2024, the Eagles will have to decide whether to use him as a wide receiver or a tight end.
• Wide receiver Joseph Ngata: An undrafted rookie, Ngata had a fantastic start to 2023 training camp, routinely hauling in a large number of passes during each practice. He was a member of the practice squad for the entire season, though, and did not play much in the preseason games. In 2024, he’ll have an opportunity to demonstrate his progress in camp and perhaps compete for a roster spot.
• C. Lecitus Smith: Smith was selected by the Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2022 draft and made two starts in his debut for the team. He was left off of their initial 53-man roster in 2023 and has since been a member of the practice squads for the Saints and Eagles.
• Le’Raven Clark, the overtime specialist, joined the league in 2016. He has made 64 appearances, making 18 starts.
ADDITIONAL EGLES
Eagles: Michael Clay, Brian Johnson, Sean Desai, and Matt Patricia stay or go
To what extent did injuries contribute to the Eagles’ collapse and 2023 drop-off?
Five ideas regarding the future of the Eagles (OT) Brett Toth: Toth was demoted to third-team offensive guard after the Eagles gave him an opportunity to play center during training camp. Toth just couldn’t snap in the shotgun. After being plucked from the Eagles’ practice squad by Carolina, he did start a game for the Panthers in 2023. After being released a few weeks later, he rejoined the Eagles’ practice squad to finish the season. For the past six calendar years, Toth has been somewhere on the Eagles’ roster.
DE Tarron Jackson was selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. After dropping off the 53 a season ago, he did not make an impression during training camp this season.
• DT Thomas Booker: In 2022, the Texans selected Booker in the fifth round. As a rookie, he played in 10 games for Houston and recorded 15 tackles along with a half-sack.
• DT Noah Elliss: The 346-pound space-eater NT has struggled to maintain his health while playing for the Eagles.
• LB Brandon Smith: A better athlete than a football player, Smith was selected by the Panthers in the fourth round of the 2022 draft. If he can make an impression in the 2024 camp, his exceptional athleticism will give him an opportunity to remain a special team contributor.
• CB Mario Goodrich: Goodrich was included in the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster, and the team used him to cover Avonte Maddox’s injury at slot corner. He was brought back to the practice squad after being waived due to his unsuitability for a significant role.
• CB Tiawan Mullen: Mullen joined the Chargers in 2023 as an undrafted rookie free agent and later made his way to the Eagles. 180-pound, 5’10” slot corner. His cousin is Lamar Jackson.
• DB Mekhi Garner: As an undrafted rookie free agent, Garner had a strong training camp and was called up to the practice squad for three games. He participated in 27 defensive snaps as a regular.
• DB Tristin McCollum: Due to all of the Eagles’ injuries at safety, McCollum only played in three games this season. At 6’3 and 195 pounds, he is a good size and may benefit from more development.
The novices
Shaquan Davis, a wide receiver, is 6’5 and 215 pounds. He signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Saints in 2023 after posting 934 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns with South Carolina State in 2022. As you’ll soon see, the Eagles added a number of tall receivers.
• Tight end Jacob Harris, 6’5 and 211 pounds, was previously listed. He was a 2021 fourth-round selection of the Rams and has also played for the Jaguars. His only career target was a 6-yard touchdown.
• Wide Receiver Austin Watkins: Watkins has played in the USFL, CFL, and NFL since he was an undrafted free agent in 2021. Having played in three of the Browns’ four preseason games as the team’s top receiver with 16 receptions for 257 yards and two touchdowns, he had an excellent preseason. At 6’3, 210, he is somewhat large as well.
