The Eagles have been pretty busy over the last several days assembling their 17-man practice squad. They have retained several of their young draft picks and are now adding several veterans to the team, highlighted by the most recent signing, WR Javon Baker.
Baker was offered an opportunity to return to the Patriots on their practice squad but rejected the offer to join the Eagles’ practice squad instead. Baker is only 22 years old and was a 4th-round selection by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft. He attended two colleges on his way to the NFL as he started in Alabama and made a name for himself in Central Florida. Baker collected 1,935 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns during his last two years at UCF.
Unfortunately, he didn’t get much of an opportunity during his rookie season with the Patriots. In 11 games with the Pats, Baker was only targeted four times and had one reception for 12 yards. In Philadelphia, he joins the best WR group in the NFL that is spearheaded by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles use him throughout the season with the logjam ahead of him.
Other Eagles’ additions
Philadelphia also brought back some familiar faces. With the need for a punt/kick returner, the Eagles signed WR Britain Covey to the practice squad. Covey has gotten better every year when it comes to kick/punt returns and could be the weapon that Philly was missing after he signed with the Rams this offseason.
Another notable return is the arrival of S Marcus Epps. Epps started his career in Philadelphia and was developing well until he cashed in on a two-year, $19 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019. With the release of Triston McCollum, it’ll be interesting to see how the team fits Epps into the roster after they tap out on his elevations. Epps missed all of 2024 with an ACL injury and requested his release after signing a one-year deal with the Patriots earlier this offseason.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
