Things didn't work out between offensive lineman Evan Neal and the New York Giants, as the former No. 7 overall pick was released ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Neal is now getting a chance to shed the label of "draft bust" though, after the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles signed the 26-year-old to their practice squad on Thursday. The Giants selected Neal in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, but his time spent with "Big Blue" was marred by injuries and inconsistent play.
The Florida native played and started in 13 games as a rookie, missing four contests due to an MCL sprain. Neal was called for six penalties that season, all of which were false starts. He was then limited to seven games during the 2023 campaign because of an ankle injury, nine in 2024 and didn't play last year.
Neal committed seven penalties two seasons ago despite appearing in just nine contests. The former member of the Crimson Tide was released by New York on Aug. 30, signed to the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad five days later and let go on Monday. Neal joins Philadelphia's practice squad four days ahead of the team's Week 7 "Monday Night Football" game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles' decision to bring in their former rival comes amid a host of issues for Philadelphia's offense. The Eagles have recently seen six-time Pro Bowl tackle Lane Johnson abruptly retire, and star quarterback Jalen Hurts sidelined for the rest of the season due to blood clots in his lung. Philadelphia also recently traded two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens and is off to a 2-4 start this year.
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