NFL free company doesn’t start till March however the Philadelphia Eagles made an addition to their roster on Wednesday. The Birds signed outdoors linebacker/edge rusher Julian Okwara, based on an official group announcement.
Okwara was obtainable to be signed after ending the 2023 season on the Detroit Lions’ apply squad. Most apply squad gamers signal a futures contract with their group in an effort to compete for a spot on the roster subsequent season. On this case, it’s unclear if the Lions determined to not supply him a deal or if he needed a recent begin with a brand new group. It’s potential each of these issues are true.
Okwara has solely ever performed for the Lions since they chose him with a third-round choose (No. 67 general) within the 2020 NFL Draft. On the time, he was regarded as a possible steal since he would’ve been chosen earlier had he not suffered a damaged leg late throughout his last 12 months at Notre Dame.
Okwara was restricted to simply six video games as a rookie however he obtained more healthy and took a step ahead in his second season. He logged 5 sacks, six TFLs, 9 QB hits, one pressured fumble, and one interception in 2021.
However then he obtained bit by the damage bug once more and was restricted to simply 4 sacks over 19 video games performed in 2022 and 2023 mixed. He was a wholesome scratch a number of instances final season earlier than being demoted to the apply squad within the playoffs.
It’s fairly potential that Okwara simply isn’t going to pan out as a constant and dependable NFL participant. However the Eagles would possibly as effectively check out the 26-year-old with one in all their opening on the 90-player offseason roster. Nothing to lose by letting him compete for a spot on subsequent 12 months’s group. Particularly at a place the place the Eagles are trying comparatively gentle … and much more so if Haason Reddick will get traded.
