Having lost key defensive ends Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff within days, the Eagles are turning to the waiver wire for reinforcements and securing Charles Harris to avoid free agency. According to PHLY.com’s Zach Berman, the Eagles plan to claim the veteran edge rusher following his release by the Panthers. Harris, 29, will come with a veteran-minimum salary, costing the team just $400K for the remainder of the season.
Harris, who co-led the Panthers in sacks this season with three, saw his playing time reduced after D.J. Wonnum returned to action alongside Jadeveon Clowney. Despite starting six games for Carolina this year—his most since 2021—Harris’ role diminished as the team’s edge rusher rotation solidified.
A former first-round pick by Miami, Harris spent three years with the Lions, where he posted 7.5 sacks during the 2021 season but managed just 2.5 sacks across the following two years. While he held a regular role with the Panthers earlier this season, Harris is expected to contribute as a rotational backup for the Eagles.
The Eagles entered Week 11 with strong depth at defensive end but have since made adjustments due to injuries. Bryce Huff was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury, though he’s expected to return later this season. However, Brandon Graham’s outlook is less optimistic. Despite recording a sack on Matthew Stafford during Sunday night’s game, the 15-year Eagles veteran exited early with a triceps tear, likely ending his season. Graham, 36, had hinted in July that this would be his final year, though he avoided confirming retirement when asked after the game.
To bolster their depth, the Eagles have added Charles Harris to a defensive end rotation that includes Josh Sweat, 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith, and rookie third-rounder Jalyx Hunt. Harris’ arrival marks the fourth defensive end on the active roster. Hunt, who has only logged 66 defensive snaps this season, will either see a significant increase in playing time or yield opportunities to Harris, who played a regular role with the Panthers earlier this year.
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