Former Eagles draft pick returns for free-agent tryout

The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t waiting until the preseason opener to evaluate potential roster additions. According to the NFL transaction wire, Philadelphia hosted defensive tackle David Blay, running back Ja’Quinden Jackson, and linebacker Tarron Jackson for free-agent visits Sunday.

Workouts and visits don’t guarantee a signing. Teams routinely evaluate available players during training camp to ensure they have up-to-date medical information and a list of potential replacements in case of injuries.

Still, Philadelphia’s three visitors are worth examining. Blay is a local product coming off his final season at Miami. Ja’Quinden Jackson offers size and power at running back, while Tarron Jackson is a familiar face after beginning his NFL career with the Eagles.

Blay may be the most intriguing developmental prospect of the three. The Levittown, Pennsylvania, native signed with New England as an undrafted rookie after playing at West Chester, Louisiana Tech and Miami. The Patriots released him Friday, allowing Philadelphia to bring him in two days later. New England lists Blay at 6-foot-2 and 292 pounds. He played 46 games during his college career, finishing with 129 tackles, 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. He recorded 28 tackles during his final season at Miami. The Patriots signed him May 8 before releasing him Aug. 7.

Blay’s most productive season came at Louisiana Tech in 2024. He recorded 46 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks while earning first-team All-Conference USA honors. Philadelphia already has Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo and Byron Young occupying prominent places in the defensive tackle rotation. Gabe Hall is among the players competing for a reserve role. That makes Blay more of a developmental option than someone likely to earn immediate playing time.

His local ties, college production and recent availability make him a logical player to evaluate. Of the three visitors, Blay may have the clearest chance to receive a contract if the Eagles want another interior defender for the remainder of camp.

Jackson entered college as a quarterback before eventually moving to running back at Utah. His most productive season came after transferring to Arkansas. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound runner carried the ball 149 times for 790 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. He also caught 13 passes for 139 yards, displaying more receiving ability than his bruising frame might suggest.

Jackson signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted rookie in 2025. He carried 13 times for 56 yards and caught two passes for 13 yards during the preseason but didn’t make the initial roster. He later returned to the Jaguars‘ practice squad and signed a reserve/futures deal before Jacksonville waived him May 11.

The Eagles already have Saquon Barkley leading a backfield that includes Tank Bigsby and Dameon Pierce. ShunDerrick Powell is also seeking a role. That makes an immediate signing less likely unless Philadelphia is dealing with an undisclosed injury or wants another runner to absorb preseason carries.

Jackson’s power would give the Eagles another short-yardage option, but his path to the roster would be difficult.

Tarron Jackson requires little introduction inside the Jefferson Health Training Complex. Philadelphia selected him with the 191st overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Jackson appeared in 21 games over his first two seasons with the Eagles. His lone NFL sack came against the Detroit Lions during his rookie year. He later spent time with Carolina before returning to Philadelphia’s practice squad in 2024.

Across 24 career games with the Eagles and Panthers, Jackson has recorded 17 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Philadelphia originally drafted him after he produced 195 tackles, 44.5 tackles for loss and 26.5 sacks at Coastal Carolina. Jackson joined San Francisco in 2025 but landed on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury during training camp. His visit allows the Eagles to evaluate his health while determining whether he can provide useful depth at outside linebacker.

Philadelphia has several edge defenders ahead of him, including Jalyx Hunt, Jonathan Greenard, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa. Jackson’s familiarity with the organization could still work in his favor if the Eagles need another experienced practice body or special teams contributor.

The Eagles don’t have an obvious need to sign any of the three immediately. Blay offers developmental upside, Ja’Quinden Jackson provides power at running back, and Tarron Jackson brings familiarity.

Philadelphia may simply be updating its emergency list. If a signing follows, Blay’s youth and interior pass-rush production make him the most logical candidate. At the same time, Tarron Jackson would offer the easiest transition because of his previous experience with the organization.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Former Eagles draft pick returns for free-agent tryout