The Philadelphia Eagles are set to defend their Super Bowl championship in 2025 and a big part will take place as the team enters training camp. The Eagles wrapped up their OTA workouts and minicamp in recent weeks and players that were on the fringe of making the roster could be heading into a big training camp.
One of those players includes a playmaker that didn’t have a major impact in 2024. While he was only a rookie, life comes at you fast in the NFL. It puts a sudden veteran on the hot seat entering training camp and will need a miracle to keep his job one year after coming into the league.
Eagles WR Ainias Smith Needs a Big Training Camp to Keep His Job
The Eagles have plenty of talent at the wide receiver position and their top three starting positions are occupied by A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson. But the rest of the depth chart is up for grabs including second-year receiver Ainias Smith.
Smith was a fifth-round pick by the Eagles in last year’s draft but the Texas A&M product was over matched in his rookie season, catching just seven passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Most of his production came in a meaningless Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants and prompted Howie Roseman to search for reinforcements this offseason.
Terrace Marshall was a surprising addition for the Eagles and did well for himself during the offseason program. Fellow receivers Danny Gray and Elijah Cooks also have an outside chance of making the roster but Smith’s biggest competition could be Avery Williams.
Williams is a running back and defensive back that spent the past four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. While he had just 22 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown, he made an impact in the return game, averaging 10.9 yards per punt return and 22.4 yards per kick return with a pair of touchdowns.
Special teams have taken a backseat as the NFL has worked to make kickoffs safer. But they may have revived the play by moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line. With field position on the line, teams may decide to kick it short and make the kick returner role more valuable last season.
With limited production at the receiving position, Smith’s return ability may be the best way to make the roster. While he averaged 10.2 yards per punt return with a pair of touchdowns and 18 yards per kick return during his collegiate career, he had just one punt return last season for 17 yards.
That limited experience could come back to haunt Smith as he tries to earn a second season with the Eagles. But if he can’t hold off Williams and his fellow receivers, he could be looking for a new job by the end of training camp.