The Philadelphia Eagles will be busy as the free agent window opens in the next month. The Eagles have a quartet of top free agents with Zack Baun, Milton Williams, Mekhi Becton and Josh Sweat hitting the market and with just $22.3 million in cap space, some difficult decisions will have to be made.
But before millions of dollars start flying, the Eagles will make an effort to retain some of their own players. The group listed above may create the headlines but Philadelphia will be looking to keep some of the depth they used to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
The Eagles took a step in that direction by making an unexpected signing during this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.
Eagles Re-Sign RB Lew Nichols During NFL Scouting Combine
The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Tuesday that they have re-signed running back Lew Nichols to the active roster. Nichols has spent the past two seasons on and off the Eagles practice squad, signing originally in 2023 and signing a reserve/futures contract before the 2024 season.
We have signed RB Lew Nichols to the Active Roster. pic.twitter.com/aPXg812T3d
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 25, 2025
Nichols was released on three separate occasions last year but this move indicates he should join the team for OTAs and minicamp.
Before entering the NFL, Nichols starred at Central Michigan, winning MAC Offensive Player of the Year Award honors in 2021 while leading the nation with 341 carries for 1,848 yards. Nichols also ran for 16 touchdowns during his breakout year and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round the 2023 NFL Draft (235th overall).
The designation as an active roster signing is interesting considering Kenneth Gainwell is a free agent this spring. Saquon Barkley has a firm grasp on a starting job after becoming an MVP candidate to help the Eagles win the Super Bowl and 2024 fourth-round pick Will Shipley enters next season as the favorite for the backup role.
If Gainwell leaves, Nichols could compete for that final roster spot during camp and have a chance to finally stick on Philadelphia’s active roster.