In a move that has sent shockwaves through the City of Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia Eagles have made a bold decision to bring back a familiar face, re-signing cornerback Eli Ricks to their practice squad just days after releasing him, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. The unexpected twist has fans buzzing with excitement and speculation about what this means for the reigning Super Bowl champions as they gear up for the 2025 NFL season.
Eli Ricks, a former five-star recruit out of Alabama, first joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) in 2023 following a rollercoaster college career. Over the past two seasons, Ricks carved out a role primarily on special teams under coordinators D.K. McDonald and Christian Parker, who worked tirelessly to mold the raw talent into a reliable NFL cornerback. Despite his efforts, Ricks struggled to secure a significant role in a highly competitive cornerback room during the 2025 training camp, leading to his release from both the active roster and practice squad as Week 1 approached.
The double release left many wondering if Ricks’ time with the Eagles had come to an end. After all, with established stars like Adoree’ Jackson and Jakorian Bennett expected to dominate CB2 snaps in defensive subpackages, and Cooper DeJean sliding inside to the slot, opportunities for Ricks—or even third-year pro Kelee Ringo—to see meaningful defensive reps seemed slim. The Eagles’ cornerback depth chart appeared set, and Ricks’ future in Philadelphia looked uncertain at best.
But in a stunning turn of events, the Eagles have decided to give Ricks another shot. “The Eagles are expected to re-sign cornerback Eli Ricks to their practice squad, a source tells CBS Sports,” Zenitz reported. “Had been with Philadelphia since 2023 until recently being released. Played in 23 games for the Eagles the last two seasons.”
This jaw-dropping move raises the question: why bring Ricks back? For one, his familiarity with the organization makes him a low-risk addition. Having appeared in 23 games over two seasons, Ricks knows the Eagles’ system inside and out. His contributions on Michael Clay’s special teams unit have been steady, if not spectacular, and his potential as a developmental cornerback remains tantalizing. At just 24 years old, Ricks still has time to refine his skills and prove he can compete at the NFL level.
Moreover, with the Eagles fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the allure of sticking with a championship-caliber team cannot be understated. For Ricks, the chance to remain in Philadelphia, hone his skills in a familiar environment, and potentially earn another Super Bowl ring before his 25th birthday is a golden opportunity. While regular defensive snaps may be hard to come by in a crowded secondary, the practice squad offers Ricks a platform to stay ready, stay sharp, and seize any chance that comes his way—whether due to injuries, roster changes, or unexpected opportunities.
For Eagles fans, this move is a reminder of the team’s commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining depth, even at a position as stacked as cornerback. Ricks may not be the long-term answer at CB2, but his return signals that the Eagles see something special in the young defensive back. Could this be the start of a redemption arc for the former Alabama standout? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Eli Ricks is back, and the Eagles’ faithful are ready to see what he can do with this second chance.