With training camp underway across the league and NFL preseason games set to kick off this week, hundreds of players will be looking to win jobs on the 53-man roster and practice squad.
The Philadelphia Eagles begin their preseason slate on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, which will be the first test for many of the young players or fringe vets looking to make a name for themselves. A good showing can do wonders for their roster hopes, while a bad one could put them on the chopping block.
At the same time, several former Eagles players are still on the hunt for their next opportunity, as we are only weeks away from the start of Week 1. In fact, one former Eagles defender, who was on the squad for a brief time last year, has received a tryout offer from a rival of Philly.
Former Eagles DT Siaki Ika Gets Tryout from San Francisco 49ers
According to NFL Trade Rumors, former Eagles defensive lineman Siaki Ika was among four defensive tackles that the San Francisco 49ers brought in for a tryout on Wednesday.
Eagles fans likely don’t remember Ika’s time in the City of Brotherly Love, as he didn’t appear in any regular-season games. The 24-year-old defensive lineman was signed to Philadelphia’s taxi squad on October 23, 2024, after the Cleveland Browns parted ways a week prior.
Ika, who was a former third-round pick of the Browns, was cut six days later by the Eagles. But Philadelphia picked Ika up a month later, re-signing him to the practice squad on Nov. 20, just to release him six days later.
After his short stint with the Eagles, Ika took his talent to Kansas City, joining the Chiefs’ practice squad in December. The Chiefs ultimately signed the ex-Eagle to a futures deal in February, but they cut ties with him in June.
Even though his NFL career hasn’t taken off yet, it's still good to see the former Eagles defender getting interest, granted from a rival.
San Francisco’s defense went through a ton of changes throughout the offseason, specifically on the defensive line and secondary. They still have Nick Bosa, acquired Bryce Huff from the Eagles, and drafted a few rookies who could play notable roles this season. However, the 49ers lack some depth in the trenches, and maybe this could be a potential landing spot for Ika.
The 49ers didn’t sign any of those defensive tackles to a deal, but with the first preseason game on the horizon, the ex-Eagle could find himself in the Bay Area in the near future.