Eagles roster news: Draft pick signs rookie contract, tryout players, and more updates

05/05/2024

The Philadelphia Eagles announced some roster news while holding their rookie minicamp at the NovaCare Complex this weekend. Let’s get to it.

Johnny Wilson signs rookie contract

Wilson became the first of the Eagles’ nine picks from the 2024 NFL Draft to officially sign his rookie contract.

Unlike how it sometimes used to be, there isn’t much drama when it comes to players signing their rookie contracts these days. (Aside from very few exceptions, at least.)

The Eagles haven’t had issues anytime recently with rookies being unable to participate in training camp because they decided to hold out. There was a little (and I can’t stress “little” enough) concern when Cam Jurgens took longer than his fellow rookies to sign in 2022. And ditto for Kelee Ringo in 2023. But they ultimately signed well in time to participate in training camp.

So, I would expect the Eagles to get their remaining picks under contract before late July. One down, eight to go.

Tryout players

The Eagles invite a large group of tryout players to participate in rookie minicamp each year. It’d obviously be tough to hold a practice with only their picks and their UDFA signings (16 total players).

Last year, just one of 19 tryout players earned an actual roster spot. That was Charleston Rambo, who didn’t last long with the team in training camp. These players are typically the longest of long shots.

Rookie tryouts

P Harry Mallinder (English professional rugby union player)

Princeton QB Blake Stenstrom

Tulsa DB Kanion Williams

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:

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.

International exemption

The Eagles unexpectedly signed Australian native Laekin Vakalahi, who is being listed as an offensive tackle. Vakalahi has never played football, just like Jordan Mailata had never done before joining the Eagles. Hey, why not give it another shot?

ESPN has a full story on Vakalahi and how he ended up in Philly.

Unlike Mailata, who was drafted by the Eagles, Vakalahi is signing to a contract under the international player exemption. He does not count towards the team’s roster limit, just like Matt Leo never did. Vakalahi will be able to practice with the Eagles but he can’t play in a game unless his exemption is eventually removed.

Le’Raven Clark to IR

The Eagles officially placed the veteran offensive tackle on injured reserve. They did not disclose the nature of his injury. The Eagles can waive Clark off IR after he recovers. Otherwise, he cannot play this season if he remains on IR.

Non-rookie Eagles roster players at rookie minicamp

A.J. Brown and Mailata technically fit in this category; they attended Friday’s practice to observe and potentially mentor the young guys. Good look for them as leaders on the team.

The following players are roster bubble/long shot guys who are getting some extra practice reps to try to make an impression:

WR Shaquan Davis

G/C Jason Poe

TE E.J. Jenkins

WR Joseph Ngata