Eagles sign eight players to reserve/future contracts

The Philadelphia Eagles signed eight of their 10 final practice squad members to reserve/future contracts, according to an official announcement from the team.

Included in the group: wide receiver River Cracraft, tight end Alex Ellis, wide receiver Marcus Green, defensive tackle Albert Huggins, quarterback Kyle Lauletta, wide receiver Marken Michel, center Keegan Render, and cornerback/returner Tremon Smith.

The two players from the practice squad who weren’t retained: running back De’Angelo Henderson and offensive tackle Dieugot Joseph.

Signing practice squad players to reserve/future contracts right after the season is over is common practice. These guys will have a chance to win a spot on the 2020 roster by standing out in the offseason.

Ellis and Huggins notably spent some time on the Eagles’ 53-man roster in 2019. Maybe they stick around for 2020.

Lauletta — an Exton, PA native — will be an interesting player to watch since both Josh McCown and Nate Sudfeld are free agents this offseason. Maybe Lauletta gets a chance to compete for the backup spot behind Carson Wentz. Or at least a No. 3 quarterback job.

Michel became a fan favorite following his 75-yard touchdown in the Eagles’ preseason opener.

Smith intrigues me because he boasts an elite athletic profile and offers some NFL experience. He was a good kick returner for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018.

These eight players are long shots to be difference makers but, hey, we just saw how the Eagles were able to get some important contributions from practice squad members in 2019. Maybe the next Boston Scott or Greg Ward emerges from this group.

The Eagles will likely be making some more reserve/future contract signings in the coming days/weeks. Stay tuned for more additions to the 90-man offseason roster.