Late on Monday, the Eagles announced that first-round draft pick and expected starting right guard Danny Watkins has signed a four-year contract, ending his brief absence from Training Camp that resulted in almost a week of missed practice time. Watkins is widely projected to be the No. 1 RG heading into the season, so it’s understandable that he wanted his contract situation to be handled as soon as possible.
“This is a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders, that’s for sure,” Watkins said, talking about his contract in an interview on the Eagles’ website. “I’ve been chomping at the bit to get in here. I understand there’s a business aspect to football. It’s something I’ve never cared for and don’t know much about. I’m just glad this is over with and we can get rolling. I’m eager to learn…Like I said, I’m hoping and I want to come in and compete right away…I’m determined and dedicated to learn this as quick as I can and put all the hard work I can into it.”
In a related bit of Eagles news, the team also announced that undrafted rookie wide receiver Keith Carlos, a converted running back from Purdue who was signed on July 29, has been released after just a few days at Training Camp. Carlos was merely considered competition for a backup role, but is the second rookie free agent acquisition to depart the team after just several days to work with them; running back Noel Devine was released last week following a brief stint on the roster, though some reports indicate he “walked out” on the team, unhappy with the amount of reps he was receiving.