Forgotten Eagles Draft Bust Re-Signs With AFC Contender

Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Eric Rowe is heading back to one of his former teams ahead of Week 12.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they signed Rowe to their practice squad. The 10-year veteran was with the Steelers last season, signing to their practice squad on Nov. 20. Rowe appeared in the final three regular-season games for Pittsburgh, posting 29 total tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a tackle for loss.

The former Eagles draft pick also held his own in pass coverage with a 72.1 pass rating allowed when targeted and didn’t give up a receiving touchdown. Before joining the Steelers late last year, Rowe spent training camp and preseason with the Carolina Panthers.

However, the former second-round pick did not make the final 53-man roster. Rowe spent four seasons with the Miami Dolphins and three with the New England Patriots.

The Eagles took Rowe in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft as the team revamped its secondary under head coach Chip Kelly. Rowe played in 16 games as a rookie (five starts), recording 31 total tackles, five pass deflections, and an interception.

The former Utah defensive back couldn’t finish his rookie contract in Philadelphia, as the Eagles shockingly traded him to the New England Patriots the next season. The Eagles sent Rowe to the Patriots for a 2018 fourth-round pick.

Rowe played sparingly with the Pats but saw some time in Super Bowl LII against the Eagles. He ultimately carved out a role with the Dolphins, starting in 39 out of 63 games.

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