Eagles Sign Okwara

Though free agency is weeks away, the Philadelphia Eagles have already begun picking up needed edge depth.

The team announced the signing of outside linebacker Julian Okwara.

Okwara was a third-round pick for the Detroit Lions in 2020 and spent four seasons with the team. He was waived from the 53-man roster during the team’s postseason run in 2023 and was re-signed to the Lions’ practice squad.

During his time in Detroit, in which he played alongside his brother and fellow edge rusher Romeo Okwara, the younger Okwara notched nine total sacks. He recorded a career high five in 2021 and added two more this past season.

Now, the 26-year-old joins a Philadelphia Eagles team that is looking for additions amid uncertainty in the edge rusher room. All Pro Haason Reddick’s roster status is up in the air with the team reportedly giving his agent permission to speak with other teams about a trade. The legendary Brandon Graham, the Eagles’ all-time leader in games played, is an unrestricted free agent but has publicly expressed interest about returning to Philly for one final season.

The only guarantees currently on the roster are Pro Bowler Josh Sweat, who despite a fast start finished last season without recording a sack in the final seven regular season games, as well as 2023 first round pick Nolan Smith who received limited snaps in his rookie year.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.