Eagles roster news: Nick Sirianni, the team’s head coach, provides an update on the team’s restructuring and likely a position change during rookie minicamp. View details
News about the Eagles roster: tryout players, rookie contract signed by draft choice, and more
This weekend at the NovaCare Complex, the Philadelphia Eagles held their rookie minicamp and shared some roster news. Now let’s get started.
Johnny Wilson agrees to a rookie deal
Of the nine players selected by the Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson was the first to formally sign a rookie contract.
These days, there isn’t nearly as much hoopla surrounding athletes signing rookie contracts as there once was. (With the rare exceptions, that is.)
The Eagles have not experienced any problems lately with rookies choosing to hold out and not being able to participate in training camp. A little worry arose—and I emphasize the word “minor”—when Cam Jurgens signed in 2022 later than his fellow rookies. Likewise, in 2023, for Kelee Ringo. However, they joined up in good time to take part in training camp.
Thus, before the end of July, I would anticipate that the Eagles would have contracts with their remaining picks. Eight more to go, one down.
Players on trial
Every year, the Eagles extend an invitation to a sizable group of tryout players to attend rookie minicamp. Obviously, holding a practice with just their picks and 16 UDFA signings would be difficult.
Only one player out of the 19 tryouts last year made the final roster. That was Charleston Rambo, the player that was cut during training camp. Usually, these guys are the longest of the long shots.
Harry Mallinder, an English professional rugby union player, participated in rookie tryouts.
Princeton quarterback Blake Stenstrom
DB Kanion Williams of Tulsa
West Liberty DB Shon Stephens
Rutgers DB Trevor Yeboah-Kodie
Sacramento State DB Caleb Nelson
UCLA DB Kenny Churchwell
Mercer DB Tavion McCarthy
Clemson DB Sheridan Jones
Pittsburgh LB Shayne Simon
Grambling State CB Cedric Anderson
Wake Forest LB Jacob Roberts
Pittsburg State LB Dubem Okonkwo
Louisiana Tech TE Griffin Hebert
Ohio State WR Praise Olatoke
Pittsburgh TE Malcolm Epps
- It sounds like Stephens might have a shot at earning a 90-man roster spot:
An Eagles rookie camp invite worth following is DB Shon Stephens, cousin of Joey Porter Jr.
Played for DII Ferris State in college, had 8 picks and a 100-yd kickoff return last season.
Ran a sub-4.4 40 at Michigan State’s pro day. Reportedly off to a strong start in camp.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) May 4, 2024
- Olatoke has an interesting background. He played club football at Ohio State in addition to competing in track.
- Maybe he already did this but, if he didn’t, Stenstrom should’ve brought some Hoagie Haven and Small World Coffee to share. Good way to get on everyone’s good side.
Veteran tryouts
WR Jakeem Grant
WR John Ross
DB Terrell Burgess
LB Shaq Quarterman
LB David Anenih
TE Griffin Hebert
- Grant and Ross are both speedsters whose value might have increased with the NFL’s new kickoff rules.
Burgess could be a depth signing at safety. Ditto for Quarterman at linebacker.
Hebert was on the Eagles’ roster until they recently cut him to make room for their UDFA signings.
Worldwide exclusion
Laekin Vakalahi, an Australian native described as an offensive tackle, was suddenly signed by the Eagles. Similar to Jordan Mailata, who had never played football before joining the Eagles, Vakalahi has never played the game. Well, what say you try it again?
The whole tale about Vakalahi’s journey to Philadelphia can be found on ESPN.
Vakalahi, in contrast to Mailata, was selected by the Eagles in the international player exemption draft. Just as Matt Leo never did, he does not count toward the team’s roster cap. Vakalahi can work out with the Eagles, but he is not allowed to participate in games until his exemption is eventually revoked.
To IR, Le’Raven Clark
The veteran offensive tackle was officially placed on injured reserve by the Eagles. They kept the nature of his wounds a secret. After he heals, the Eagles can waive Clark’s IR status. If he stays on IR, he won’t be able to play this season anyway.
Technically, A.J. Brown and Mailata, who are not rookies on the Eagles roster but attended Friday’s practice to watch and possibly coach the young guys, fall into this category. It looks good that they are the team’s leaders.
The roster bubble and long shot players listed below are receiving more practice reps in an effort to make an impression:
WR Shaquan Davis
G/C Jason Poe
TE E.J. Jenkins
WR Joseph Ngata