The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a stunning fall from grace in about six weeks’ time, going from holding an NFL-best 10-1 record to losing soundly in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Such a fall from grace may or may not necessitate big changes. In the Eagles’ case, their talent has been undeniable, but there have been major questions and criticisms about their defense and coaching staff.
They made the first move toward what they hope will be a triumphant 2024 campaign this past Thursday when they signed linebacker Terrell Lewis to a futures contract.
“Players who sign reserve/future contracts overwhelming opt to stay with the NFL team that had them on the practice squad at the end of the season. But there are exceptions, and the Philadelphia Eagles signed two of them on Thursday when they added former Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis and former UAB wide receiver Austin Watkins via reserve/future contracts,” wrote Mark Inabinett of Alabama.
NFL News & Rumors: Terrell Lewis, Philadelphia Eagles Updates
Lewis was a third-round draft pick in 2020 by the Los Angeles Rams and spent three seasons with them. As a reserve, he contributed to their Super Bowl championship during the 2021 season.
After the Rams waived him, he spent stints on the practice squads of the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints over the last 12 months.
Last season, Philly was an outstanding defensive team and gave up fewer total yards than any NFL team other than the San Francisco 49ers. However, in 2023 that defense faltered and sank to 26th in total yards allowed and 30th in points given up.
The team has a solid duo of cornerbacks in James Bradberry and Darius Slay, as well as defensive end Josh Sweat and Pro Bowl pass rusher Haason Reddick. But overall, its linebackers have been regarded as lackluster.
In an attempt to shore up that position, Philly signed four-time Pro Bowler Shaquille Leonard late in the season, but in five games with the team, he mustered just 23 tackles (12 solo), two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit and 1.0 sacks.
In its wild-card round loss to the Buccaneers, it gave up 32 points and 426 total yards of offense while allowing quarterback Baker Mayfield to throw for 337 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
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