The Philadelphia Eagles have signed wide receiver John Ross to a one-year contract, announced on May 23, 2024, following the placement of DeVante Parker on the reserve/retired list. Ross, 28, attended the Eagles’ rookie minicamp earlier this month and last played in the NFL with the New York Giants in January 2022. Known for his record-breaking 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, Ross was the ninth overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in that year’s draft. Throughout his career, Ross has struggled with injuries and consistency but showed potential with a career-high 506 yards and three touchdowns in eight games in 2019. The signing is part of Eagles’ General Manager Howie Roseman’s offseason strategy of acquiring players with impressive draft pedigrees.

In a separate development, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has lost approximately 25 pounds since the end of 2022. Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, aims to improve his agility and overall gameplay. Previously weighing 230 pounds to increase strength, Jackson is now around 205 pounds. His weight loss is intended to regain some of the speed and mobility that characterized his early career. Jackson’s weight adjustment comes as the Ravens seek to bounce back from their AFC Championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last season.