The Eagles are making moves! They’ve just added a familiar face to their practice squad, a former 3rd-round pick who could shake up the cornerback competition. With the season opener looming, is this the answer to their secondary depth questions? Get the full scoop on why this addition is more significant than it seems!
The Philadelphia Eagles are making significant moves to bolster their secondary depth, with the latest addition being former San Francisco 49ers third-round pick Ambry Thomas to their practice squad. This strategic signing comes at a crucial time, just a week before the NFL season opener, highlighting the team’s continuous efforts to address lingering questions in their cornerback room. The news, initially reported by Jordan Schultz, underscores the fluid nature of roster construction as teams finalize their lineups.
Philadelphia’s recent activity in the defensive backfield extends beyond Thomas. The team previously acquired cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Raiders via trade on August 4th and welcomed veteran safety Marcus Epps back to the practice squad earlier this week. Furthermore, Wednesday saw the signing of cornerbacks Parry Nickerson, Brandon Johnson, and Eli Ricks, along with safety Andre’ Sam, all of whom were familiar faces from the Eagles’ training camp. These transactions collectively point to a deliberate strategy of accumulating talent and fostering competition.
Ambry Thomas, a product of Michigan, was originally drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During his three-year tenure in San Francisco, Thomas participated in 42 games, starting 11, and recorded two crucial interceptions. His experience also extends to the postseason, where he started four playoff games, notably picking off Matt Stafford in a 2021 victory over the Rams and Geno Smith in a 2023 win against the Seahawks, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
However, Thomas’s career has also been marked by adversity. He missed the entire last season after suffering a broken arm during the 49ers’ preseason opener against the Titans. Following an stint on Injured Reserve, he was released by the team on December 17th. His subsequent attempts to find a new home saw him briefly claimed by the Colts, only to be released after failing a physical, and then signed to the Vikings’ practice squad, where he remained through the summer before his recent release.
This move is particularly significant given the current state of the Eagles’ cornerback position. Despite General Manager Howie Roseman’s recent public statements expressing satisfaction with the unit, a definitive starting second cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell has yet to emerge. The team’s continued search and the addition of a player with Thomas’s pedigree suggest a proactive approach to ensure optimal performance in one of the NFL’s most demanding positions.
The competition for this pivotal role remains intense, with Adoree’ Jackson, Kelee Ringo, and Jakorian Bennett appearing to be the primary contenders. Each player brings a unique skill set and experience level to the table, creating a dynamic battle for snaps. The arrival of a former third-round talent like Thomas introduces another layer of intrigue, potentially pushing the existing candidates to elevate their game even further.
Ultimately, the signing of Ambry Thomas indicates that the Eagles are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to solidify their defensive backfield. With the regular season rapidly approaching, securing a reliable and effective cornerback rotation is paramount for any NFL contender. This latest addition to the practice squad could be a key piece in solving the Eagles’ cornerback puzzle, demonstrating their commitment to building a formidable secondary ready for the challenges ahead.
