The Philadelphia Eagles have added two defensive linemen as training camp kicks off: veteran edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and former UFL standout Jacob Sykes.
To make room for the new additions, Philly waived defensive end KJ Henry and running back Lew Nichols.
The addition of Sykes comes on the heels of what was clearly a successful tryout. The Eagles also brought in DTs Joe Evans and Leonard Payne Jr. for workouts, but Sykes was the only one to get signed. Will they be just camp bodies, or could they each possibly beat the odds and make the roster?
Let’s take a closer look at what each player brings to the table.
Eagles Roster Moves: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo Should Be Intriguing Addition
GettyThe Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo to the roster.
Okoronkwo, also known around the league by his nickname, “Ogbo,” was a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
His career got off to a slow start after foot surgery delayed his debut, but Okoronkwo eventually worked his way into the Rams’ rotation. Over three seasons in L.A., he played in 39 games and recorded 34 total tackles (five for loss), 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 13 QB hits.
In 2021, he won Super Bowl 56 with the Rams, his final season in L.A. The following year, he signed with the Houston Texans on a one-year deal and had the best season of his career to date: 5.0 sacks, 44 total tackles (nine for loss), 11 QB hits and a forced fumble.
He was consistent enough that he earned a three-year, $19 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2023. He finished with 4.5 sacks and a career-high 12 TFLs in 14 games that season.
Okoronkwo appeared in 16 games with five starts for the Browns in 2024, finishing with 23 tackles (five for loss), six QB hits and 3.0 sacks. Despite a solid showing, Cleveland released him in June 2025 to create cap space, clearing $3.4 million.
Now 30, Okoronkwo comes to Philadelphia as a low-risk veteran addition who could provide rotational depth on the edge.
More on New Eagles DT Jacob Sykes
Sykes enters Eagles camp with a very different résumé than Okoronkwo. A Harvard graduate in applied mathematics and fluent in French, Sykes played in 29 games with the Crimson. He amassed 7.5 sacks over three years, earning first-team All-Ivy honors in 2021.
Wanting to test himself against better competition, Sykes transferred to UCLA for the 2022 season, where he amassed 29 tackles and a sack in 13 games while earning third-team All-Pac-12 honors from Pro Football Focus.
Sykes went undrafted in 2023 but signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent. He spent time on their practice squad before eventually being released. Determined to keep his professional career alive, he joined the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League, where he played in 17 games over two seasons and recorded 32 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
That performance earned him a workout with the Eagles, and he was signed the following day along with Okoronkwo.
One key advantage for Sykes in Philadelphia is his familiarity with defensive line coach Clint Hurtt, who previously worked with him in Seattle. While that connection likely won’t help him make the roster, Sykes could be a strong candidate for the practice squad if he looks good in camp and during the preseason.
