Eagles Sign John Ross

Just days after losing a wide receiver to retirement, the Philadelphia Eagles are bringing one back to the league.

The team officially signed John Ross to a one-year deal.

Ross has already been in the building after participating in the team’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and now takes advantage of a roster spot left open by the sudden retirement of DeVante Parker, who was in the mix for the third receiver job behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

The former 2017 first round pick, who has not played in an NFL game since 2021, had previously retired in July of 2023 just months after signing a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ross is known for recording what was the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history. His time of 4.22 was only surpassed this year by Xavier Worthy.

His blazing speed elevated him to the ninth overall selection in the draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, but he struggled to find consistent playing time and frequently battled injuries. His best season came in 2019 where he hauled in 28 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns in just eight games.

Now, he looks to compete for a spot in the backend of a wide receiver room that also includes the recently-signed veteran Parris Campbell, 2024 draftees Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson, and second-year Joseph Ngata who has taken some first-team reps during OTAs.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.