Eagles add cornerback/returner to practice squad

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent cornerback Tremon Smith to their practice squad, according to an official announcement from the team. The Eagles also released practice squad safety Chris Johnson, who only joined the team last week.

The Eagles showed interest in Smith leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft, even hosting him on an official pre-draft visit. Smith was ultimately selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round at No. 196 overall.

Smith played in 14 games and even made one start as a rookie last season. Most of his playing time came on special teams, however, where he served as the Chiefs’ primary kick returner. Smith’s 33 kick returns went for 886 total yards. That 26.8 average ranked fourth best in the NFL.

The Chiefs moved Smith to running back in the 2019 preseason but he struggled with transition and the team moved him back to corner before waiving him in early September.

The Green Bay Packers claimed Smith off waivers. He returned 13 kicks for a 23.3 average and four punts for zero yards before getting waived earlier this week.

The Eagles already have seven cornerbacks on their 53-man roster so adding another one to their practice squad is a curious choice. Perhaps the Eagles want to change Smith’s position like the Chiefs did. Or perhaps they’re mainly interested in him as a return specialist.

The Eagles still have one vacant spot on the practice squad after signing Smith.

Current Eagles practice squad

CB Tremon Smith

DT Kevin Wilkins

TE Scott Orndoff

DT Bruce Hector

C Keegan Render

RB De’Angelo Henderson

WR Robert Davis

QB Kyle Lauletta

WR Marcus Green