The Philadelphia Eagles filled out their initial 17-player practice squad on Thursday.
Now there are reports that the team plans to sign three new practice squad players, which would require them to make three corresponding cuts.
While we wait for official confirmation from the team, here are the guys expected to land in Philly:
- RB Audric Estimé
- WR Javon Baker
- CB Ambry Thomas
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
AUDRIC ESTIMÉ
The Eagles signing Estimé was originally reported on Wednesday but then it was curious to see he wasn’t listed on their initial practice squad. More clarification on that:
The Eagles currently don’t have a running back on their practice squad, so, it’s pretty believable that they’re looking to add one to serve as RB4 behind Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, and AJ Dillon.
JAVON BAKER
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that Baker decided to join the Eagles’ practice squad “after mulling multiple options, including a return to the New England Patriots.” The Pats originally kept Baker on their initial 53-man roster before cutting him to make room for waiver claims.
Baker played college football for Alabama from 2020-2021, where he notably overlapped with fellow Crimson Tide-turned-Eagles wide receivers DeVonta Smith and John Metchie III. Baker then transferred to UCF for two years, where he really took off a senior in 2023. His numbers from that season: 52 receptions, 1,139 yards (21.9 average), 7 TD.
The Pats picked Baker with a fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he logged just 90 offensive snaps and 28 special teams snaps. Baker’s four targets resulted in one catch for 12 yards. He did also return three kicks for 79 yards (26.3 average).
The Eagles must believe in the 23-year-old’s upside to some extent. We’ll see if the 6’1”, 202 pounder can develop in Philly. Assuming he’s able to stick around, he’ll likely compete for a depth receiver job next offseason.
Pre-draft scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
Former Alabama signee with good size and skill level who finally saw his production spike once he transferred to UCF. Baker looks the part, and his tape will keep growing on you the longer it runs. His play was very natural and instinctive in 2023; he made quality plays on the ball in game after game. He uses speed changes and route leverage to create separation, and he’s at his best working the second and third levels from either inside or outside. The ball skills are NFL-caliber, but the hands will lose focus at times. Baker has the traits and skill level of an NFL receiver and should fight for an eventual shot as a WR3/4.
Spider graph via Mockdraftable:
AMBRY THOMAS
NFL insider Jordan Schultz was first to report Thomas to the Eagles.
Thomas is a cornerback with starting experience. The soon-to-be 26-year-old has logged 11 starts in 42 games played since being selected by the San Francisco 49ers with a third-round pick (No. 102 overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft. (Side note: the Eagles have a serious kink for former Niners draft picks.)
Thomas struggled in San Francisco, though he did show small signs of improvement; his passer rating allowed while targeted got better each season (118.0 in 2021, 102.1 in 2022, 97.9 in 2023). But then Thomas was placed on injured reserve ahead of the 2024 season due to a fractured forearm. He was waived from IR and claimed by the Indianapolis Colts. Thomas failed a physical with Indy and then ended up signing with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. He remained with Minny until being released earlier this week.
Listed at 6’1”, 190 pounds, Thomas is an outside cornerback who has very little experience in the slot. It stands to reason that the Eagles are adding him as someone who could potentially be in the mix if the team really struggles to find an answer at CB2 this season.
The Eagles currently have six cornerbacks on their roster and three on their practice squad, so, one would believe Thomas is coming to take the spot of either Parry Nickerson, Brandon Johnson, or Eli Ricks.
Ricks seems like the prime contender to be the odd man out.
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