The Eagles announced a pair of minor roster moves on Tuesday morning, posting on Twitter that they have signed defensive tackle Willie Henry and waived linebacker Joe Bachie. Henry was a fourth-round draft pick in 2016 by the Baltimore Ravens but has appeared in just four games over the last three seasons. Bachie was an undrafted free agent who appeared in four games for the Eagles last season, recording two tackles.
Why make this move?
As far as transactions go, this one is about as minor as it gets. Henry is an oft-injured journeyman who is still just 27 years old while Bachie is a low-upside reserve linebacker who apparently didn’t impress this new coaching staff. The move is interesting in that Henry, if he can crack the final roster, is another defensive lineman who offers inside/outside versatility.
While the Eagles have talent along their defensive line, there are a couple of potential roster spots open towards the bottom of the group. Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave return as the starters on the inside, and third-round pick Milton Williams figures to make the roster and compete for playing time on the inside (and possibly sliding outside in certain packages). After that, no other defensive tackle is a lock to make the team.
The Eagles have numbers in the way of veterans T.Y. McGill and Hassan Ridgeway, second-year UDFA Raequan Williams, and sixth-round pick Marlon Tuipulotu. But none of those players are guaranteed to be around when the dust settles on this roster, and Henry will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot—and playing time—if he can show that he is healthy and ready to contribute.
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Mike Maher is the editor and publisher of The Birds Blitz and Juiced Ball Era. Follow him on Twitter @mikeMaher and @TheBirdsBlitz and check out his archive for all of his latest stories about the Eagles and the NFL.
