Instant analysis: Eagles sign former Falcons tight end to futures contract

USATSI_8896333_168382939_lowres

Just over 48 hours removed from ensuring that the Falcons will hand over their NFC crown, the Eagles have signed one of their former tight ends to a futures contract.

The man in question is Joshua Perkins. An undrafted free agent in 2016, Perkins stuck onto the Falcons roster as their fourth tight end but was often inactive. When Jacob Tamme suffered an injury in November of last year, Perkins saw his first action on an NFL field.

2 of his 3 career receptions came against the Carolina Panthers and one just so happened to be an eyebrow raising touchdown pass.

Primarily however, the Washington product was a blocking tight end  and seemed to find difficulty sustaining blocks, often giving up pressure to defensive ends and outside linebackers and making some rookie mistakes along the way. The 6’3, 223 lbs, tight end was better served as a receiving option, but when the Falcons drafted Eric Stauber one year later, his ceiling became limited.

Perkins stuck around on the Falcons roster and spent time on their scout team, but had problems dealing with an injury this year…the details of which have been kept mostly under the radar. The Falcons eventually released Perkins, leading the Eagles to pick him up on a futures contract.

**GRAB SOME FIRE EAGLES MERCH BEFORE THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH UP TO 50% OFF AT FANATICS HERE**

During his senior year, Perkins recorded 36 catches for 539 yards and 3 scores, averaging 41.5 yards per reception which actually led all Pac-12 tight ends. He ended his collegiate career with the sixth most receptions and receiving yards in program history.

This is certainly a move worth noting. Although it’s under the radar, Brent Celek only has one year left on his contract and Trey Burton is a free agent at the end of this season. Both are valuable pieces of the Eagles offense. Tight end is certainly an area that needs some attention and while Perkins may not be the next Zach Ertz, he could well serve as a TE4 just as Trey Burton did when he arrived onto the scene undrafted.

 

Perkins joins the following names as players signed to futures deals:

TE Adam Zaruba
P Cameron Johnston
CB Elie Bouka
WR Marquess Wilson

 

Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports