After reports of former Jags safety Jonathan Cyprien working out for the Eagles were confirmed, it was assumed the team would take a flyer on the starter hampered by injuries. Instead, the team have opted to bring in a familiar face.
Trae Elston is the Safety who the Eagles have decided to sign while depth at the position is a little light, and it’s not his first time in Philadelphia.
If you remember back in 2017, the Eagles poached Elston then as well, who at that point in time was a preseason standout in Buffalo, going on to play in 30 special teams snaps in the opening two games before being waived. The 6’0, 195 lbs, DB went undrafted out of 2016 and spent time with the Browns, Bucs, and Saints, before that.
He made one tackle for the Eagles that year, before returning to Buffalo and playing in 13 games, notching 18 tackles and a pick in the process. He was later cut once more and found a new home in Miami, but would be looking for a new team for the entire 2018 season after being released just after the 53-man roster cutdown.
With Malcolm Jenkins still absent from voluntary workouts, Rodney McLeod still recovering from an injury, and Mandatory Minicamp just around the corner, the Eagles could do with the extra help. Tre Sullivan is currently taking starting reps in OTA’s which is fantastic for his development, but the Birds cannot afford a lack of depth to hurt their offseason program.
Elston will have a chance to compete for a roster spot as somebody that can provide special teams depth and has regular season experience, but will that be enough to surpass Blake Countess or Andrew Sendejo on the depth chart? His best chance of doing so would be to come in and hit the ground running.
Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
