Eagles bring back UFL star while releasing former Alabama cornerback

It's always essential to put your best foot forward, and that's exactly what defensive lineman Jacob Sykes did during his opportunity in training camp with the Eagles.

On Wednesday, the Eagles announced the signing of Sykes to their practice squad. Despite a solid preseason with Philadelphia, Sykes (like so many) found himself on the waiver wire, unclaimed during final cuts. With Howie Roseman continuing to shuffle the roster, Sykes is back in the NFL, reuniting with the Eagles for a practice squad opportunity.

Sykes was an undrafted free agent from UCLA in 2023 and signed with the Seattle Seahawks before his release at the conclusion of the 2023 training camp. Sykes would sign with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League, spending two seasons in the league, registering 32 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 17 regular-season matchups.

Sykes earned an opportunity with the Eagles after the UFL season, appearing in all three games, registering two tackles, while also recording a PFF grade of 76.3, 71.9, and 41.2, respectively, through the three preseason matchups. Sykes not only returns to the Eagles but also reunites with his defensive coordinator from Seattle, Clint Hurtt.

Eagles had to cut former Alabama cornerback to make room for Sykes

In a corresponding move, the Eagles released cornerback Eli Ricks, a 2023 undrafted free agent out of Alabama. Ricks initially made the Eagles' 53-man roster in 2023, appearing in 17 games for the team in his rookie season.

Ricks saw a decreased role in 2024, only appearing in seven games last season. Ricks' lack of improvement, along with the acquisition of Jakorian Bennett, made the once-promising defensive back expendable for the Eagles' defensive backfield. Ricks has bounced on and off the Eagles' practice squad since the completion of training camp this season, and could continue that trend throughout the 2025 season.

The Eagles currently roster six cornerbacks on the active roster, and two on the practice squad. With the possibility of elevations the Eagles went for a bit more depth on the defensive line, rather than the secondary going into week two. With the Eagles' injury report not yet released, the signing of Sykes could also imply that maybe the Eagles aren't healthy on the defensive line.