NFL teams are always looking to improve their position groups, and the defending champions are no different. With 89 active players under contract currently, the Eagles will go into training camp hoping to defend their 2024 title.
One position the Eagles could be looking to improve at (especially in the back end) is wide receiver. The Eagles currently have two of the better one-two punches in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith; however, the room is full of several unknowns behind even Jahan Dotson as WR3. While I've been extremely vocal about the potential of Johnny Wilson, there is still plenty to look forward to moving forward.
A familiar face can return to Philly in 2025 and help the offense
In a blast from the past, maybe the Eagles kick tires on Greg Ward, if needing a boost with some experience. Ward spent seven seasons with the Eagles from 2017 to 2023, including an expanded role from 2019 to 2021. Ward spent 2024 with the Colts and, most recently, was with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL, recording 17 receptions for 116 yards.
The Eagles have kicked tires on spring football players before since 2019, specifically the wide receiver position. They resigned Ward after his stint with the San Antonio Commanders, in addition to bringing in wide receivers Deon Cain (2023), Austin Watkins (2024), Charleston Rambo (2023), Lance Lenoir (2022), and Charles Johnson (2019).
Despite the Eagles taking multiple chances on spring league receivers, only Ward has been able to crack the starting lineup appearing in 40 games, recording 88 receptions for 768 yards, and 10 touchdowns during his career.
Read more:Four Eagles players no one is talking about going into training camp
While Ward doesn't wow defenses with his elite speed, he does provide a safety blanket and more experience than any other option behind Dotson. With Ward in "game shape" after appearing in seven games during the UFL season, he is extremely capable of being a "plug-in" player if/when injuries arise in the wide receiver room.