Getty Images
The Eagles signed veteran wide receiver John Ross to a one-year deal on Thursday, the team announced.
Ross Returns to NFL
Ross, 28, has not played in an NFL game since 2021 and had announced his retirement in 2023. He participated in the Eagles’ rookie minicamp earlier this month on a tryout basis and performed well enough to earn another NFL contract.
This move adds another chapter to Ross’s eventful career. He was selected ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 draft after posting over 1,100 receiving yards and a Pac-12-leading 19 touchdowns at Washington. Some within the Eagles organization considered him the top receiver in that draft, but he was off the board before their pick at No. 14, where they chose defensive end Derek Barnett.
Injury Struggles
Ross made headlines with his record-breaking 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. However, his professional career has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to an average of seven games per season over his first four years. His best season was in 2019 when he caught 28 passes for 506 yards in 11 games.
Recent Stints and Retirement
In 2021, Ross joined the New York Giants and recorded 11 catches for 224 yards in 10 games. He later signed a futures deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2023 before announcing his retirement later that year.
Competing for a Roster Spot in Philadelphia
Ross now has a chance to revive his career in Philadelphia. The Eagles have one of the top receiver duos in the league with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the depth chart beyond them is uncertain. The team recently saw DeVante Parker, a candidate for the No. 3 receiver role, retire earlier this week.
Ross will compete with players like Parris Campbell, rookie Ainias Smith, and others for a roster spot and playing time this offseason.
This report used information from ESPN.
