The Philadelphia Eagles juggled their roster some at the midpoint of January.
Even though the offseason arrived much sooner than Philadelphia Eagles fans would have liked, it also came later than many envisioned. Here’s what that means.
No one gave this team a shot. Early in the 2021 offseason, Las Vegas called for less than five wins. Philly’s 2-5 start added fuel to that fire before yet another late-season run earned the Birds a postseason berth, but as Jalen Hurts said, only one team achieves its goal every season. Philly was bounced from the NFL Playoffs after a single game, and now, it’s time to begin the climb back to consistent relevance.
Step number one was taken care of on January 18th, just one day after the players cleaned out their lockers at the NovaCare Complex on Martin Luther King Day. The Eagles signed 11 of their young prospects to reserve/future contracts.
They aren’t quite the cornerstones of the Eagles’ young roster yet, but Philadelphia’s decision to sign them means that they’re interested in continuing to develop them. Might there be another Boston Scott, Alex Singleton, or Greg Ward in this bunch? Let’s hope they can achieve even greater heights.
Here’s one thought on some guys we already know and a few others that we should get to know pretty well in the coming months. Here are three from the offense.
Here’s a thought on a few Philadelphia Eagles signed to future/reserve deals in January.
Philadelphia signed three offensive prospects as well as a young defensive end that we’re hearing a lot about. Here are thoughts on each one.
Deon Cain, wide receiver
Deon Cain was the 185th-overall selection during Round 6 of 2018’s NFL Draft. He’s spent time on four different rosters so far after being a Third-team All-ACC nod in 2017.
Kayode Awosika, guard/tackle
Kayode Awosika has a ton of ability and has all of the tools to be a functional reserve offensive lineman. Philly’s offensive line room is a good one.
Noah Togiai, tight end
With this team’s need for offensive playmakers, it would be huge if this former Oregon State standout and former teammate of Andre Dillard can take the next step.
Eight of Philadelphia’s 11 signings are prospects on the defensive side of the ball. Here’s a look at each one.
Cameron Malveaux, defensive end
Like Greg Ward, Cameron Malveaux was an undrafted rookie out of the Houston Cougars program in 2017. Unlike Ward, Malveaux has seen seven teams since that time. He has the ability, but 2022 might be his final shot at making good on all of that potential.
Here are the other young prospects the Philadelphia Eagles signed to future deals.
Matt Leo, defensive end
An undrafted free agent in 2020, Matt Leo has yet to register his first NFL statistic. As is the case with everyone else on this list, the hope is he can take the next step.
Marvin Wilson, defensive tackle
Marvin Wilson is another of what feels like ten former Cleveland Browns on this team. He’s a monster at six-foot-four and 303 pounds.
Christian Elliss, linebacker
Christian Elliss has three tackles on seven career defensive snaps and another 27 on special teams. He’s someone to watch.
JaCoby Stevens, linebacker
Eagles fans got an extended look at JaCoby Stevens in 2021 as he was on the field for 12 special teams snaps in Week 17 versus the Washington Football Team and another 44 defensive snaps/24 special teams snaps versus the Dallas Cowboys in the regular-season finale.
Mac McCain, cornerback
Mac McCain is among a slew of young defensive back signings that the Eagles made this season. They’re committed to improving this secondary, but no one has separated themselves. McCain will get another chance to do so in 2022.
Craig James, cornerback
Take everything said about Mac McCain and insert it here. Craig James, however, is more familiar with what the Eagles want to do as he’s appeared in 18 games with one start.
Jared Mayden, safety
Jared Mayden has six NFL games on his pro resume including four in Philadelphia. He has six tackles on his resume, but he’ll get an extended look with uncertainty at the safety position, especially if Rodney McLeod doesn’t return in 2022.