Parris Campbell In Lead For Eagles’ No. 3 WR Role?
Parris Campbell‘s Giants tenure ended with a run of healthy scratches. Despite the struggling team not exactly sporting a deep receiving corps, Brian Daboll and Co. deemed the former second-round pick unworthy of a gameday gig in the final five games of the 2023 campaign.
That did not lead to extensive interest during Campbell’s second free agency foray. The former Colts draftee, however, has stayed healthy over the past two seasons — after a litany of injuries hounded him for most of his Indianapolis tenure — and has a history with his new coach. The Colts drafted Campbell during Nick Sirianni‘s time as OC, and the two overlapped for two years in Indy. Campbell, 26, now appears to have a real shot at going from Giants scratch to Eagles regular.
Unable to rely on their slot position for a bit now, the Eagles took a flier on Campbell (one year, $1.29MM). Philly’s offseason program has wrapped, but after this week’s minicamp, Campbell appears to be in the lead to play alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The veteran slot receiver received the bulk of the first-team reps in the WR3 role this week, per 94WIP.com’s Eliot Shorr-Parks, who called this competition — ahead of training camp, at least — Campbell’s to lose.
The Eagles helped set the receiver market this offseason, authorizing extensions for Smith and Brown in April. With wideouts tied to $32MM- and $25MM-per-year deals and several big payments in place on offense, money is obviously limited elsewhere at wide receiver. The Eagles did use fifth- and sixth-round draft choices on wideouts (Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith) this year, and they offered an offseason roster spot to former top-10 pick John Ross, who has unretired to join the team. Campbell’s profile features inconsistency, but he brings more experience as a regular than anyone else vying for the Brown-Smith sidekick role.
The former Ohio State standout flashed for the Colts during Sirianni’s time in Indianapolis, but he also missed 25 games due to various injuries from 2019-21. During a chaotic 2022 Colts season, Campbell quietly stayed healthy and totaled 63 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns. This came for a 4-13 team that started three quarterbacks and used two play-callers. The Giants did not see much from Campbell, though they also slogged through a three-QB season. Campbell caught just 20 passes for 104 yards, underwhelming on a one-year, $4.7MM deal.
Before the 6-foot-1 target’s Giants season ended, he understandably expressed a desire for a fresh start. The Eagles, who bring more QB stability than Campbell has seen over the course of his career, are providing it.
Working with Andrew Luck only during the offseason before the standout passer’s abrupt retirement, Campbell has never played with the same starting QB in consecutive seasons. It will be interesting to see if the Eagles see enough from him this season to consider a longer-term role for him in their Jalen Hurts-led offense. Quez Watkins‘ production trended downward after a 647-yard 2021, and the team’s Julio Jones and Olamide Zaccheaus contracts last year did not lead to much of consequence from the WR3 spot.
Ross also saw extensive time during Philly’s minicamp, per the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff Neiburg, while return man Britain Covey remains in the picture. Ross, 27, has not seen any game action since 2021. The former Combine 40-yard dash record holder (4.22 seconds) seizing a roster spot would surprise, given his NFL offerings, but his preseason work will be worth monitoring as the Eagles attempt to improve in a passing attack that will still run through Brown, Smith and Dallas Goedert.
Mekhi Becton Aiming To Remain With Eagles Long Term, Seeing Reps At Guard
Mekhi Becton‘s run with the Jets did not go according to plan, and to no surprise his free agent value was not high. The former first-round pick inked a one-year, $2.75MM deal with the Eagles this offseason. 
Becton dealt with injuries which limited him to a single game between the 2021 and ’22 campaigns. He managed to return to the fold last year, serving primarily as the team’s blindside blocker. In spite of that, it came as no surprise that the Jets elected to move in a different direction at both tackle spots (trading for Morgan Moses and signing Tyron Smith before drafting Olu Fashanu).
As a result, Becton is set to take part in a ‘prove it’ season with Philadelphia in 2024. His future will depend in large part on his level of play when on the field, but regardless of what happens in that respect the 25-year-old is hoping to remain with the Eagles for the foreseeable future. When speaking about his situation, Becton made it clear he hopes to avoid another free agent move next offseason.
“I want it to be long term” the Louisville alum said of his Eagles tenure, via PHLY’s Zach Berman. “I love this city of Philly. I love the people here, I love the fans. I hope it’s long term.”
Becton’s NFL career has not yet consisted of work at guard, but that could change with his new team. The Eagles (set at both tackle spots with Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson) have been using him at guard in addition to taking tackle reps, Johnson recently noted (via NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro). Becton has even seen some first-team reps along the interior, as detailed by The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane.
The Eagles have Landon Dickerson attached to the league’s most lucrative guard deal (four years, $84MM) after he signed an extension this offseason. The right guard spot is currently open with Cam Jurgens sliding over to center, but Tyler Steen is currently the favorite to win that position. Philadelphia added experienced guard depth recently with the signing of Max Scharping.
Becton will be a member of that group as the RG competition continues through the summer. Especially if he were to carve out a notable role, he could see significant playing time in Philadelphia. That would increase the chances of the team being willing to meet his desire for a long-term relationship.
Minor NFL Transactions: 6/7/24
Today’s minor moves as we head into the weekend:
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: G Wyatt Davis
- Waived: DT Jayden Peevy
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Claimed off waivers (from Colts): C Jack Anderson
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: CB Parry Nickerson
After getting drafted in the third round out of Ohio State, Davis has yet to make a start in his first three seasons. Despite competing for a starting job in the offseason before his sophomore campaign in Minnesota, Davis was waived as part of the team’s final roster cuts. Since then, he’s bounced around from the Giants to the Saints, Cardinals, and back to New York. He’ll now add some depth in Cleveland.
Anderson finds his away to Jacksonville shortly after getting waived by the division-rival Colts yesterday. The Texas Tech-product saw his biggest contribution in 12 games with two starts in 2022 for the Giants.
Like Davis and Anderson, Nickerson has bounced between several teams since entering the NFL. After being drafted by the Jets in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Nickerson has spent a year apiece with New York, the Jaguars, the Packers, the Vikings, and most recently, the Dolphins, also spending part of 2019 with the Seahawks. He joins his seventh team in six years with Philadelphia.
Eagles Sign First-Round CB Quinyon Mitchell, Complete Draft Class
Quinyon Mitchell signed his Eagles rookie pact on Thursday, per a team announcement. With the first-round corner now on the books, each member of the team’s 2024 class is under contract.
Mitchell enjoyed one of the best pre-draft processes of any prospect this year. As a result, the Toledo product climbed up draft boards to the point where he was considered one of the candidates to be the first cornerback to hear his name called. It thus came as little surprise when Mitchell was selected at No. 22.
Likewise, it was far from a shock that the Eagles were the first team to add at the position. Following an historic run on offensive players to begin Day 1, Mitchell was one of several top defensive prospects left on the board. Given his status as a high-end CB prospect, he was firmly on Philadelphia’s radar. The Eagles double-dipped in the secondary by adding Cooper DeJean in the second round, and both player will provide an infusion of youth on the backend.
The Eagles have Darius Slay and James Bradberry in place as projected cornerback starters, but both players are in their 30s. Philadelphia’s defense was at the heart of the team’s late-season collapse in 2023, and improvements in the secondary were seen as a priority. The return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson should help in that regard, as will the additions of Mitchell and DeJean.
Mitchell had strong seasons in 2022 and ’23, earning first-team All-MAC and second-team All-American honors. Posting six interceptions and 37 pass deflections during that span, he solidified his reputation as a playmaker in addition to strong coverage skills. He will look to earn a defensive role right away, but failing that he should be an impactful contributor in the near future.
Here is the full breakdown of Philadelphia’s draft class:
- Round 1, No. 22: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 40 (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 94 (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 127 (from Eagles): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 132 (from 49ers): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 155 (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 172: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 185: Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 190 (from Saints through Packers): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State) (signed)
Eagles Process Retirements For C Jason Kelce, DT Fletcher Cox
The retirements of life-long Eagles Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox have been news for some time now. With Kelce exploring media opportunities and Cox seeing a decreased workload in 2023, both players confirmed that they would be hanging up their cleats after spending the entirety of their careers in Philadelphia. Despite the news being well-known, the Eagles waited until today to process the veterans’ retirement transactions. 
Because of the contracts that each player was on at the time of their decisions, the Eagles would’ve been on the hook for heavy cap numbers in the next couple of years. By waiting until after June 1 to post the transactions, the team is able to spread out the cap hit of contracts over a wider period.
Kelce, for example, was still on the books for $26.62MM per his 2023 contract. If the team had processed the retirement when it occurred, they would be on the hook for that amount in 2024. Because the made in a post-June 1 transaction, Kelce will now represent cap hits of $10.18MM in 2024 and $16.44MM in 2025. Processing it before June 1 would’ve resulted in $25.12MM of dead money in 2024 and $16.44MM in 2025. Philadelphia has effectively reduced the dead money tied to Kelce’s contract to $8.68MM in 2024 and $7.28MM in 2025.
Similarly, Fletcher was on the books for a remaining $15.51MM over the next two years that Philadelphia would’ve been responsible for all in the 2024 if they processed his retirement when it was announced. With the post-June 1 designation of the transaction, Fletcher will hold cap hits of $5.41 in 2024 and $10.1MM in 2025. The team reduced the dead money on Flectcher’s contract from $14.3MM in 2024 and $10.1MM in 2025 to $4.2MM in each of the next two years.
In unrelated news, the Eagles will be filling one of the two newly vacated roster spots to sign Griffin Hebert. Originally an undrafted tight end out of Louisiana Tech, Hebert has since transitioned to wide receiver at the NFL level after joining the Eagles’ practice squad late into his rookie season last year. He signed a reserve/futures deal with the team but was waived in shortly after the draft. He participated in the team’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and has officially been brought back on a tryout basis for mandatory minicamp, per Andrew DiCecco of InsideTheBirds.com.
Eagles Sign G Max Scharping
The Eagles have made a depth addition along the interior offensive line. Guard Max Scharping inked a deal on Monday, per a team announcement. 
The 27-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Bengals, but he was unable to secure playing time on offense during that span. Scharping logged just 43 snaps in Cincinnati, but during the Texans tenure which preceded it, he saw a much larger workload. Between 2019 and ’21, he started 33 of 48 appearances.
During his first two seasons in Houston, Scharping played at left guard and drew underwhelming PFF evaluations. That continued in 2021 when he saw most of his time at right guard. The former second-rounder’s limited 2023 Bengals snaps came at center, but in Philadelphia he will compete for a depth guard spot.
Center Jason Kelce‘s retirement has paved the way for Cam Jurgens to take over in the middle of the Eagles’ O-line. As a result, the starting right guard position is available, and 2023 third-rounder Tyler Steen is currently in pole position to win the job this offseason. Steen played just 71 snaps last season, though, and adding veteran insurance comes as little surprise on Philadelphia’s part.
Scharping’s small role over the past two seasons helped explain his stay on the free agent market deep into the offseason. It will also no doubt keep down the cost of this Eagles agreement. Philadelphia entered Monday with more than $26MM in cap space, so the team will easily be able to afford taking a flier on the Northern Illinois alum. Scharping will likely be tapped for a backup role if he survives roster cutdowns, but he could fill in as a guard starter if needed this season.
NFL Nearing Conclusion In Falcons, Eagles Tampering Investigations
NFL investigations are ongoing into potential tampering by the Falcons and Eagles this offseason related to their Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley additions. A final outcome could be coming shortly. 
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a conclusion in both cases is “likely to come this week.” A similar report emerged close to the start of this year’s draft, but that was quickly met by a formal league announcement stating the investigations would continue. Any draft penalties levied against Atlanta or Philadelphia will therefore affect the 2025 draft.
Schefter’s latest update confirms that of the two teams, the Falcons are believed to have committed a “more significant” tampering violation. As a result, they are positioned to receive a harsher penalty than the Eagles if any league discipline is deemed necessary. The NFL has docked teams draft capital in the past following investigations into inappropriate free agent communications.
The Falcons worked out an agreement with Cousins (four years, $180MM) on March 12, and he has said publicly he spoke with the team’s trainer during the legal tampering period which immediately precedes free agency. Cousins also admitted to offering his recruiting services for Atlanta to sign wideout Darnell Mooney. He did end up inking a Falcons deal, but communication originating from Cousins before his own pact was official would constitute another violation.
In the Eagles’ case, league attention stems from remarks made by Penn State coach James Franklin about direct communication between Barkley and general manager Howie Roseman. Such talks are prohibited during the legal tampering window for players (such as Barkley) who do not represent themselves. The Eagles have denied any wrongdoing, but they could be subject to fines or the loss of draft capital.
The same is true for the Falcons, although owner Arthur Blank has likewise stated he does not believe any violations occurred. Both players will still play for their respective new teams in 2024 and beyond regardless of what happens regarding potential discipline. It will nevertheless be interesting to see if a final decision is made in the coming days.
Eagles WR John Ross Addresses 2023 Retirement Decision
John Ross retired less than one year ago, but his comeback attempt resulted in an Eagles deal last week. The former top-10 pick recently spoke about the regret he felt following his decision to hang up his cleats. 
Ross admitted he immediately considered the retirement call a mistake when speaking to the media as Philadelphia’s newest receiver. Veteran DeVante Parker decided to end his career, a move which opened up a roster spot for Ross. The latter worked out for the Eagles before signing to their offseason roster.
“You look at it like this,” Ross said (via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia). “In my situation, I was a top-10 draft pick and we all talk about it all the time. ‘If we ever get to the point where we have to try out, then we’ll be done.’ But then you get to that point and you don’t have no other choice. When I go the opportunity, I was probably the happiest person on Earth.”
In many cases, veterans who land deals last in the offseason are unable to survive roster cutdowns at the end of the summer. Ross will face a steep challenge in Philadelphia to carve out an offense role considering the team’s wide receiver depth chart. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith (both of whom are attached to new, lucrative deals) are set to remain focal points of the Eagles’ passing game for 2024 and many years beyond that.
Ross – whose draft stock was boosted by a then-record in the 40-yard dash – struggled to establish himself as a consistent option on offense with the Bengals from 2017-20. Injuries kept him sidelined for stretches during that time, and he managed just 11 catches with the Giants in 2021. The 28-year-old did not play the following year, so his retirement decision appeared to mark an underwhelming end to his career. If he can catch on with the Eagles in 2024, though, he will have the opportunity to continue in the NFL.
Eagles Sign WR John Ross
John Ross took part in the Eagles’ rookie minicamp, and his performance has earned him an extended look. The veteran receiver signed with Philadelphia on Thursday, per a team announcement.
Ross retired last summer, but he attempted a comeback in November. Without having found playing time at the end of the 2023 campaign, he has not played a regular season game since 2021. The 28-year-old will attempt to carve out a roster spot with the Eagles as they sort out the back of their WR depth chart.
Philadelphia is set in terms of starting spots with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Both wideouts signed lucrative new deals this offseason, and they will be counted on to remain the focal points of the team’s passing game in 2024 and beyond. The Eagles lost Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency, which required the addition of new secondary contributors.
One of those is Parris Campbell, who inked a one-year deal in March. The former Colt had an underwhelming single campaign with the Giants last year, and he will spend the offseason trying to lock down a role in the Eagles’ offense. The same was presumed to be true of DeVante Parker, but he announced his retirement earlier this week.
Ross will now attempt to take advantage of the opportunity created by Parker’s absence. The former is best remembered for his 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 Combine. That performance led to Ross hearing his name called ninth overall, but he struggled during his four-year tenure with the Bengals. The Washington product played a single season as a Giant after his rookie contract expired, but that effort likewise did not yield notable production. To little surprise, Ross has been unable to find a permanent home since.
This agreement will no doubt represent nothing more than a one-year flier on the part of the Eagles. If he performs during the summer and can remain healthy, Ross could provide the team with a deep threat at the receiver spot. If not, Philadelphia will again need to turn elsewhere for depth options ahead of the start of the season.
The Biggest Wide Receiver Contract In Each Team’s History
Most NFL teams have authorized a big-ticket (by today’s standards) deal for a wide receiver. Ranked by guaranteed money and excluding rookie contracts and accords acquired via trade, here is the most lucrative WR deal in each franchise’s history.
Arizona Cardinals
- DeAndre Hopkins; September 8, 2020: Two years, $54.5MM ($42.75MM guaranteed)
Larry Fitzgerald‘s seven-year, $113MM extension (August 2011) holds the Cardinals standard for total value, but Hopkins’ pact checks in higher in terms of guarantees and AAV.
Atlanta Falcons
- Julio Jones; September 7, 2019. Three years, $66MM ($64MM guaranteed at signing)
Baltimore Ravens
- Odell Beckham Jr.; April 9, 2023: One year, $15MM ($15MM guaranteed at signing)
In total, Michael Crabtree‘s 2018 deal (worth $21MM) and Derrick Mason‘s 2005 agreement ($20MM) surpass Beckham’s. But the 2023 Baltimore rental’s guarantee came in higher.
Buffalo Bills
- Stefon Diggs; April 6, 2022: Four years, $96MM ($70MM guaranteed; $47.99MM guaranteed at signing)
Carolina Panthers
- D.J. Moore; March 18, 2022: Three years, $61.88MM ($41.61MM guaranteed at signing)
Chicago Bears
- D.J. Moore; July 30, 2024: Four years, $110MM ($82.64MM guaranteed; $43.65MM guaranteed at signing)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Ja’Marr Chase: March 16, 2025: Four years, $161MM ($109.8MM guaranteed; $73.9MM guaranteed at signing)
Cleveland Browns
- Jarvis Landry; April 12, 2018: Five years, $75.5MM ($47MM guaranteed; $34MM guaranteed at signing)
The Browns have featured three higher-paid receivers on their roster since Landry’s contract, but both Odell Beckham Jr. and Amari Cooper arrived via trade and played on contracts designed by other teams. Jerry Jeudy‘s AAV ($17.5MM) on his 2024 extension also outpaces Landry’s, though the recent trade pickup’s total guarantee falls short here.
Dallas Cowboys
- CeeDee Lamb; August 26, 2024: Four years, $136MM ($100MM guaranteed; $67MM guaranteed at signing)
Denver Broncos
- Demaryius Thomas; July 15, 2015: Five years, $70MM ($43.5MM guaranteed; $35MM guaranteed at signing)
Courtland Sutton‘s 2025 extension carries a higher AAV ($23MM) but included $41MM guaranteed
Detroit Lions
- Amon-Ra St. Brown; April 24, 2024: Four years, $120.1MM ($77MM guaranteed; $35.28MM guaranteed at signing)
Green Bay Packers
- Davante Adams; December 29, 2017: Four years, $58MM ($30MM guaranteed; $24MM guaranteed at signing)
Houston Texans
- Nico Collins; May 28, 2024: Three years, $72.75MM ($52MM guaranteed)
DeAndre Hopkins‘ 2017 re-up included more in total value but a lower AAV and guarantee
Indianapolis Colts
- Michael Pittman Jr.; March 11, 2024: Three years, $70MM ($46MM guaranteed; $41MM guaranteed at signing)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Christian Kirk; March 14, 2022: Four years, $72MM ($37MM guaranteed at signing)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Tyreek Hill; September 6, 2019: Three years, $54MM ($35MM guaranteed; $22.54MM guaranteed at signing)
Las Vegas Raiders
- Davante Adams; March 17, 2022: Five years, $140MM ($65.71MM guaranteed; $22.75MM guaranteed at signing)
Los Angeles Chargers
- Keenan Allen; September 5, 2020: Four years, $80.1MM ($50MM guaranteed; $32MM guaranteed at signing)
Los Angeles Rams
- Cooper Kupp; June 8, 2022: Three years, $80.1MM ($75MM guaranteed; $35MM guaranteed at signing)
Miami Dolphins
- Jaylen Waddle; May 30, 2024: Three years, $84.75MM ($76MM guaranteed; $35.98MM guaranteed at signing)
Tyreek Hill‘s 2022 extension tops his teammate for AAV ($30MM) but came in just south for guarantees ($72.2MM)
Minnesota Vikings
- Justin Jefferson; June 3, 2024: Four years, $140MM ($110MM guaranteed; $89MM guaranteed at signing)
New England Patriots
- Stefon Diggs; March 25, 2025; Three years, $63MM ($22.6MM guaranteed; $16.6MM guaranteed at signing)
New Orleans Saints
- Michael Thomas; July 31, 2019: Five years, $96.25MM ($60.6MM guaranteed; $35.65MM guaranteed at signing)
New York Giants
- Odell Beckham Jr.; August 27, 2018: Five years, $90MM ($65MM guaranteed, $40.9MM guaranteed at signing)
New York Jets
- Garrett Wilson; July 14, 2025: Four years, $130MM ($90MM guaranteed)
Philadelphia Eagles
- A.J. Brown; April 25, 2024: Three years, $96MM ($84MM guaranteed; $51MM guaranteed at signing)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- D.K. Metcalf; March 9, 2025: Four years, $132MM ($80MM guaranteed; $60MM guaranteed at signing)
San Francisco 49ers
- Brandon Aiyuk; August 29, 2024: Four years, $120MM ($76MM guaranteed; $38.32MM guaranteed at signing)
Seattle Seahawks
- D.K. Metcalf; July 28, 2022: Three years, $72MM ($58.22MM guaranteed; $31MM guaranteed at signing)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Mike Evans; March 9, 2018: Five years, $82.5MM ($55MM guaranteed; $38.26MM guaranteed at signing)
Chris Godwin‘s 2025 deal beats Evans’ for at-signing guarantees ($44MM); his 2022 deal did as well. Godwin’s 2025 deal also tops Evans’ in AAV ($22MM). The all-time Bucs receiving leader’s 2024 agreement, however, leads the way in total guarantees.
Tennessee Titans
- Calvin Ridley; March 13, 2024: Four years, $92MM ($50MM guaranteed; $46.98MM guaranteed at signing)
Washington Commanders
- Terry McLaurin; June 28, 2022: Three years, $69.6MM ($53.15MM guaranteed; $34.65MM guaranteed at signing)
McLaurin’s August 2025 extension eclipses his previous pact in AAV and fully guaranteed money ($44.65MM), but his first Washington payday remains the team’s standard for guaranteed money