LB Wilson, RB Howard signed to 1-year deals
The Eagles on Wednesday added two more key pieces to their roster puzzle by agreeing to terms with linebacker Eric Wilson and running back Jordan Howard on one-year contracts.
Wilson, 26, comes to Philadelphia after spending his first four seasons in Minnesota, where he became a full-time starter for the first time last season and produced 122 tackles, including eight for losses, 3.0 sacks and eight pass deflections.
The undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati who made the Vikings roster as a rookie is a likely starter for the Eagles, who remain short-handed at the position and also are expected to add to it in the NFL Draft, which begins later this month.
Howard, also 26, returns to the Eagles after spending part of last season on their practice squad. That stint included a promotion to the active roster for two games.
He was on their active roster throughout the 2019 season, when he proved himself as more than a capable backup (119 carries, 525 yards, six touchdowns) and solid blocker who could line up as a fullback for a team that doesn’t carry one on its roster.
The Eagles acquired Jordan from the Chicago Bears in March 2019 in exchange for a 2020 sixth-round pick.
The burly Howard (6-0, 225) left in free agency after that season for starter’s money in Miami but returned to the Eagles after being cut by the Dolphins last November.
He is averaging 4.2 yards per attempt for his career, with 34 touchdowns on 932 carries.
In 2021, Howard is likely to be a part of a rotation that includes Boston Scott and starter Miles Sanders, who last season missed four games and finished with 867 yards and six touchdowns on 164 carries (5.3 yards per attempt) and 28 catches for 197 yards.