The Long Game

With the NFL Draft fast approaching, the Eagles continue to backfill thin positions with low-risk signings, in turn eliminating the urge to reach for positions of need on draft weekend and instead prioritizing a best-player-available approach.

On Monday, the team announced the signing of pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka — a 2021 first round pick — who beefs up a relatively razor-thin room. While Tryon-Shoyinka should hardly be viewed as a lock for the final roster, players of his pedigree and upside, in theory, yield slighter odds when it comes to contribution.

The Eagles weren’t finished Monday, agreeing to terms with linebacker Chandler Martin on a two-year deal, a league source confirmed after the announcement from Martin’s agency, JL Sports. Martin, 23, originally entered the league last spring as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Baltimore Ravens. The Memphis product fell short in his roster bid, but was retained on the practice squad, garnering game day elevations from Weeks 11-13. Martin, who totaled 34 special teams snaps and five tackles as a rookie, sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

GETTY IMAGES: The Philadelphia Eagles signed depth LB Chandler Martin to a two-year deal.

In Philadelphia, the six-foot, 229-pounder joins a room of off-ball linebackers that includes Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr. and Chance Campbell. Barring an addition through the draft, Martin and Campbell figure to be the two primary frontrunners for what will presumably be the fifth and final slot.

Martin, who arrived at Memphis following a two-year stint at East Tennessee State, bursted onto the scene following a pair of productive campaigns to close out his collegiate career. For perspective, Martin combined for 206 tackles (33 for loss), 10 sacks, nine passes defended, five fumble recoveries, three interceptions and three forced fumbles over 26 games. He was snubbed for an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, but tested well at Memphis’ Pro Day, recording a 4.54 40-yard dash, 10’6″ broad jump and 37″ vertical. The Lithonia, Ga., native is an explosive athlete, possessing a skill set that lends itself to splash plays in the third phase.

Long snapper notes

The long snapper position in football is typically an afterthought that can be taken for granted. They’re chameleon-like on the field, one cog to an 11-player operation, trotting onto the field only a handful of times on a given week. But many long snappers across the league have carved out sustaining careers, their respective staying powers directly attributed to their consistency and operational continuity. Unlike perhaps any other player on the roster, they also function in relative anonymity on game days — so long as they avoid miscues.

Last offseason, the Eagles inked veteran long snapper Charley Hughlett to a one-year deal, finalizing a trio that included kicker Jake Elliott and punter Braden Mann. Hughlett, 35, was sidelined in training camp with a neck injury — Christian Johnstone served as his replacement in the interim — but returned without a hitch following a brief absence. Hughlett then landed on injured reserve in late September with a core muscle injury, prompting the Eagles to sign fourth-year pro Cal Adomitis, and was limited to eight games. He finished the 2025 season on the Eagles’ practice squad, though his contract expired in January, casting Hughlett into free agency — and leaving the team without a long snapper.

While adding a young long snapper is likely to conjure outside apprehension, it’s worth noting that the Eagles have a strong track record when it comes to continuity at the position, such as Mike Bartrum, Jon Dorenbos and Rick Lovato. And if draft interest is any indication of the Eagles’ striving to ensure the replacement is positioned for a long-term stay, there are a few prospects in particular to key in on.

Tyler Duzansky, Penn State

Duzansky appeared in 49 games for the Nittany Lions, combining for eight tackles. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound long snapper was one of 10 semifinalists for the 2025 Patrick Mannelly Award, which goes to the nation’s top long snapper (Georgia’s Beau Gardner was the most recent recipient). Duzansky, a team captain last season, was part of an operation that saw kicker Ryan Barker convert 12-of-13 field goal attempts and 35-of-35 point after attempts, while punter Gabe Nwosu averaged 46 yards per punt.

It’s my understanding that Duzansky will participate in the Eagles’ local Pro Day in April.

Spencer Triplett, North Carolina

An experienced long snapper and offensive lineman at Shelby High School (NC), Triplett (6-1, 240) appeared in 53 games for the Tarheels over six seasons. He was also a semifinalist for the 2025 Patrick Mannelly Award.

It’s my understanding that special teams assistant Tyler Brown spent “a lot” of time with Triplett during the school’s Pro Day and took him to lunch afterwards.

Garrison Grimes, BYU

Grimes, another Mannelly Award semifinalist, has an interesting background. He was a two-time All-Region and All-State tight end and an All-Region lacrosse player at American Fork High School (Utah). And his father, Jeff, is currently the offensive coordinator for Wisconsin.

Similar to Duzansky and Triplett, Grimes boasts plenty of field experience, playing in 31 games at Baylor before logging another 14 last season for the Cougars, finishing his career with five tackles and two fumble recoveries. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder snapped on punts, field goals and point after attempts and was part of a unit that achieved a perfect 49-of-49 on PATs.

It’s my understanding that Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay was on hand at the BYU Pro Day to work Grimes out. Something to file away, as it appears the Eagles have eyes on some of the nation’s top long snapping prospects.