Eagles Sign Former Lions LB Julian Okwara: Details

Philadelphia Eagles Sign Former Detroit Lions LB Julian Okwara: Details

The Philadelphia Eagles are adding to their defense in a move that could prove to be notable once training camp and preseason roll around.

Philly has signed former Detroit Lions third-round linebacker Julian Okwara to a deal, the team announced on social media Wednesday. Per NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the contract is a reserve future deal.

Detroit Lions inside linebackers Alex Anzalone (34) and Julian Okwara (99) tackle Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during second half action at Ford Field Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021 / © Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

Okwara, 26, was taken by Detroit in the third round at No. 67 overall after a four-year career at Notre Dame. He spent four seasons with the Lions, including this year, where he played in nine games while adding seven total tackles, two sacks and one pass breakup.

Okwara had a career year with the Lions in 2021. He played in a career-best 13 games and did a little bit of everything on the field, finishing that season with 27 total tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception and two passes defended.

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In his career, Okwara has tallied nine career sacks. The Eagles’ front seven, like the rest of the team, didn’t play up to standard during the latter half of this past season. Should he make the 53-man roster, adding a guy like Okwara to the mix could help provide a spark, especially with the potential departures of Fletcher Cox and Haason Reddick despite his false trade request.