Philadelphia is adding some more defensive line depth ahead of training camp.
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to sign United Football League defensive tackle Jacob Sykes, according to a report from Mike Mitchell (not to be confused with the podcast host of the same name from Doughboys).
Sykes, who turns 26 in a couple weeks, played college football at Harvard (2018-2021) and UCLA (2022) before signing with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2023. After failing to stick in the NFL, he then joined the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in 2024, logging 13 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack in nine games played.
The Eagles were apparently looking for more defensive line depth; Sykes was one of three DTs the team worked out on Monday. The other two were Joe Evans and Leonard Payne.
Sykes notably shares a connection with Eagles senior defensive assistant/defensive line coach Clint Hurtt. The two overlapped in Seattle during the summer of 2023, when Hurtt was serving as the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator.
Making the Eagles’ regular season roster will be a big uphill battle for Sykes but an invite to training camp at least gives him a shot to prove himself.
The corresponding move to make space for Sykes on the Eagles’ 90-man roster is currently unclear.