The Philadelphia Eagles have made a surprising roster move just days before their preseason opener, shaking up their depth chart and sending shockwaves through the dreams of one promising young talent. With starting long snapper Charley Hughlett sidelined by a neck injury, the Eagles signed Christian Johnstone as his replacement on Sunday, according to PHLY Eagles reporter Zach Berman. To clear a roster spot, the team made the tough decision to waive undrafted free agent cornerback B.J. Mayes, abruptly halting his rookie journey in Philadelphia.
Mayes, a standout from Texas A&M, joined the Eagles as part of their 2025 undrafted free agent class following the NFL Draft. Last season with the Aggies, he showcased his playmaking prowess, leading the team with four interceptions, five passes defended, and a fumble recovery across 11 games. His knack for finding the ball earned him the reputation of a “ballhawk” and sparked hope that he could carve out a role in the Eagles’ talented secondary.
The Eagles signed long snapper Christian Johnstone and waived DB BJ Mayes.
Top long snapper Charley Hughlett popped up as limited on the injury report with a neck injury.
This will be something to monitor. Hughlett cannot be placed on IR now if he’s going to be eligible for the…
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 3, 2025
However, the road to an NFL roster is never easy, especially for an undrafted rookie. The Eagles boast a stacked cornerback group, with 2024 rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean shining brightly, 2023 fourth-round pick Kelee Ringo holding a firm spot, and veteran free-agent addition Adoree’ Jackson bolstering depth alongside Tariq Castro-Fields and Parry Nickerson. For Mayes, cracking the 53-man roster was always going to be an uphill battle.
While being waived before the preseason opener is a crushing blow for Mayes, the timing of his release could work in his favor. With nearly a month until the NFL’s regular season kicks off on Thursday night, other teams have time to evaluate the young cornerback. Mayes’ tape from Texas A&M—highlighted by his interception totals and 10 passes defended during his 2023 season at UAB—makes him an intriguing prospect for teams needing depth in their secondary.
Several NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, have been plagued by injuries at defensive back during training camp. If those injury concerns persist, Mayes’ ability to make plays on the ball could make him a valuable addition to a roster or, more realistically, a practice squad when final 53-man rosters are set on August 26. There’s even a chance the Eagles could bring him back if Hughlett’s injury lingers, offering a potential lifeline to his Philadelphia dreams.
Mayes’ path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. An under-the-radar prospect out of high school, he began his college career at FCS Incarnate Word, where he played alongside Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After two seasons, Mayes transferred to UAB in 2023, where he recorded 41 tackles, two interceptions, and a team-high 10 passes defended, proving his ability to compete at a higher level. His final collegiate stop at Texas A&M showcased his potential as a true playmaker.
Despite this setback, Mayes’ story is far from over. His resilience, ball skills, and versatility make him a name to watch as the NFL preseason unfolds. For now, the Eagles’ secondary remains in good hands, a testament to their depth and talent. But for B.J. Mayes, this unexpected twist could be the start of a new chapter—one where his ballhawking instincts find a new home in the NFL.