Eagles sign ex-Lions pass rusher Julian Okwara
The Philadelphia Eagles added some depth at linebacker on Wednesday and signed former Detroit Lions 2020 third-round pick out of Notre Dame, Julian Okwara. Okwara, 26, was waived by Detroit last month ahead of their NFC Divisional Round game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was re-signed to the Lions practice squad but did not receive […]
The Philadelphia Eagles added some depth at linebacker on Wednesday and signed former Detroit Lions 2020 third-round pick out of Notre Dame, Julian Okwara.
Okwara, 26, was waived by Detroit last month ahead of their NFC Divisional Round game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He was re-signed to the Lions practice squad but did not receive a new Reserve/Future contract after the season, leaving him available to sign anywhere.
In four seasons with the Lions, Okwara played in 38 games with nine starts. He registered 54 tackles, 16 QB hits, nine sacks and one interception.
Are the Eagles Moving on From Reddick?
He is an intriguing signing because he joins the Eagles squad amid the Haason Reddick trade rumors.
It was announced on Super Bowl Sunday that the Eagles granted their star pass rusher permission to seek a trade. However, two days later, Reddick came out and said he did not request a trade and would like to stay in Philly.
The Eagles granting him permission suggests they're not sold on paying him.
Reddick, who has led the Eagles in sacks the last two seasons, enters the final year of his contract in 2024 and is set to make an underwhelming $16 million with none of that money guaranteed. This means he will be looking for a more lucrative deal and if he and the Eagles can't come to an agreement, then it's safe to say he will end up elsewhere.
With that said, Okwara will not be a replacement piece for Reddick but he will offer nice depth and his signing could mean that the Eagles are planning for life without Reddick.
