As the Philadelphia Eagles returned to the practice field on Wednesday in preparation for their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, GM Howie Roseman and the rest of the front office made a slew of roster moves.
One of those moves was bringing back veteran wide receiver Quez Watkins, who was among three players signed to the Eagles’ practice squad. Eagles fans were shocked to see Watkins back on the team, and they weren’t too pleased about it.
The former sixth-round pick didn’t live up to his potential as a deep-threat option in the Eagles’ offense. It is, however, not an easy feat for a Day 3 pick to stick on an NFL roster for at least four years.
Eagles fans vividly remember Watkins dropping a pass in Super Bowl 57 in the third quarter, which could’ve changed the trajectory of that game.
Eagles Surprisingly Bring Back Quez Watkins for Another Stint
Watkins last played for the Eagles in 2023, where he had 15 receptions (21 targets) for 142 yards and a touchdown in nine games. Over his four-year stint in Philadelphia, he recorded 98 receptions (147 targets) for 1,249 yards and six touchdowns.
After his time was over in Philadelphia, Watkins took his talents across the Keystone State to the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing a one-year contract in the following offseason. Given the lack of explosive playmakers at the wide receiver spot for Pittsburgh, it seemed like Watkins had a shot at making the 53-man roster.
But he failed to do so, as the Steelers cut him at the end of the preseason, but signed him to their practice squad. Watkins never saw any playing time in Pittsburgh, which is not a glowing endorsement, as the Steelers were running out Mike Williams, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, and George Pickens.
Eventually, the former Eagles wide receiver found his way to the Arizona Cardinals in January of this year, signing a futures deal. Again, the Cardinals aren’t loaded at wide receiver like Philly is, so maybe Watkins could prove to Jonathan Gannon that he deserves a spot on the 53-man.
Well, Watkins was bitten by the injury bug as he was placed on injured reserve at the beginning of August and waived two weeks later. Since then, the former Eagle has been on the workout circuit, and thankfully, he received a second chance from Philadelphia.
As things currently stand, the Eagles have four wideouts on the practice squad. With Darius Cooper going on IR, there’s a spot open for another receiver to join the 53-man. Will that be Watkins or Terrance Marshall Jr., or Britain Covey?
If it's ultimately Watkins, the Eagles fans hope this stint is way better than the last time they saw him on the field in midnight green.