Eagles Signing Huge Former Jets WR-Turned-TE: Report
The Philadelphia Eagles are signing tight end E.J. Jenkins to their practice squad. NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo first reported the addition on November 1.
Jenkins signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL draft. He caught three passes on four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown in the preseason (stats via Pro Football Focus). He also averaged 5.3 yards after the catch during the preseason.
Jenkins was part of New York’s roster cuts in August despite a solid offseason. Now, he’ll get an opportunity on Philly’s practice squad
The Eagles currently have four tight ends on their roster: Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra and Albert Okwuegbunam.
Jenkins began his collegiate career playing wide receiver for the St. Francis Red Flash, an FCS school where he redshirted in 2017. He played minimally in 2018 and had a break out of sorts in 2019, when he caught 39 passes for 779 yards and 13 touchdowns.
After the Red Flash canceled their season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenkins chose to transfer to South Carolina. He played minimally there, catching eight passes for 117 yards and a score.
Jenkins transferred yet again the following year in 2022, heading to Georgia Tech. In 12 games (11 starts) with the Yellow Jackets in 2022, he had 17 catches for 316 yards and three TDs.
Here’s what NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein had to say about Jenkins heading into the draft this year: “Jenkins might not have the game tape or production to be drafted, but it’s hard to ignore his size, length and willingness to block at an above-average level. While he was a wideout at Georgia Tech, he might be able to rebrand as a slot tight end with the ability to help in the running game.”
