Eagles Sign DE Ogbo Okoronkwo

Late last month, Ogbo Okoronkwo was released. The veteran edge rusher has managed to line up a new gig in time for training camp, though.

Okoronkwo is signing with the Eagles, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. After two years in Cleveland, he represented a cut candidate based on his production and financial situation. With one year remaining on his pact, Okoronkwo was indeed let go in late June.

This signing is now official, per a team announcement. Defensive tackle Jacob Sykes has also been added. In corresponding moves, defensive end K.J. Henry and running back Lew Nichols have been waived. Henry is the only member of that group with any regular season experience, and he and Nichols will look for a new opportunity around the league if/when they clear waivers and become free agents.

Okoronkwo, 30, began his career with the Rams before a single Texans campaign in 2022. In Houston, the former fifth-rounder logged the first eight starts of his career and registered a career-best five sacks. Investing in future development, the Browns inked him to a three-year deal which had the potential to see him handle a complementary role to Myles Garrett as a starter. Instead, that was handled by Za’Darius Smith for the duration of his Cleveland tenure.

Overall, Okoronkwo managed just 7.5 sacks in 30 Browns games. Nevertheless, he will look to find a spot in Philadelphia as the team attempts to rebuild along the edge. Nolan Smith remains in place, but Josh Sweat‘s free agent departure created a vacancy for a starting spot while the trade dealing away Bryce Huff left the Eagles further short on depth. Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche were added on the open market and first-round pick Jihaad Campbell could see time along the edge in addition to linebacker work.

As the Eagles sort out their depth chart amongst that group, Okoronkwo will look to carve out a rotational role. The AAV ($6.3MM) of his Browns pact will surely not be duplicated on this deal, but a strong showing in 2025 could generate a strong free agent market next spring.