Elite wide receiver decides to join the Eagles rather than the Browns in his signing choice.

A 25-year-old wide receiver, Austin Watkins, has made the decision to sign a reserve/future contract with the Philadelphia Eagles rather than the Cleveland Browns. Despite showcasing his skills during the 2023 preseason with the Browns, Watkins is opting for a new opportunity with the Eagles, as reported by Brad Stainbrook of 247 Sports and the OBR.com on Thursday, January 18. Stainbrook revealed, “Source: WR Austin Watkins Jr, who spent the season on the #Browns practice squad, is signing a reserve/future contract with the Philadelphia #Eagles. Cleveland offered as well. Watkins Jr. had 16 receptions, 257 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns for Cleveland this preseason.”

Stainbrook indicated just hours before Watkins’ final decision that the wide receiver was seriously contemplating a return to the Browns. Stainbrook reported, “Source: WR Austin Watkins Jr. was offered a reserves/future deal with Cleveland, but is currently weighing his options before making a final decision. Watkins Jr. has options elsewhere, and is seriously considering.”

Despite leading the Browns in receiving during the 2023 preseason, Watkins was waived during final cuts in August and spent the entire season on the practice squad. The Eagles, having witnessed Watkins’ abilities firsthand, remember his impressive performance of seven receptions, 139 receiving yards, and a touchdown in an 18-18 tie while with the Browns in a preseason game in August.

Before joining the Browns, Watkins spent the first half of 2023 in the USFL, winning a championship with the Birmingham Stallions. His stats included 16 receptions for 197 receiving yards and one touchdown during his lone season with the Stallions.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound receiver had previous stints with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. Despite being undrafted in 2021, he has yet to play in an NFL regular season game. In college at UAB, Watkins had a notable junior season, catching 57 passes for 1,092 yards and six touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Conference USA honors.

In addition to signing Watkins, the Eagles also added veteran linebacker Terrell Lewis to a reserve/futures contract. Lewis, who spent the 2023 preseason with the Chicago Bears, recorded three sacks, including two that forced fumbles. He later joined the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad before being released. Lewis, with 30 games and six sacks in his first three seasons, won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams at the end of the 2021 season.