Veteran Eagles CB Signs With Cowboys Less Than 24 Hours After Being Released

The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines this week when they announced yet another roster shake-up, releasing cornerback depth just hours after their Week 4 injury report was finalized.

It marked the third time in a month that Philadelphia had shuffled pieces in and out of their secondary, a unit already hit hard by injuries.

Dallas wasted no time pouncing on the opportunity. Less than 24 hours after being released, the Cowboys swooped in to sign the former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back, bolstering their cornerback rotation ahead of a crucial stretch in October.

The move underscores just how quickly fortunes can shift in the NFL. While the Eagles have remained firm in their evaluation of practice squad contributors, Dallas saw a chance to steal a young defender who still carries upside. For the Cowboys, it’s another example of building depth while taking advantage of divisional rival roster churn.

At 24 years old, the defensive back had shown flashes as a physical presence in coverage and on special teams. Though his playing time had dipped this season, scouts have consistently praised his size, instincts, and ability to battle bigger receivers at the line. That raw skill set was enough for Dallas to gamble on him as a developmental piece who could contribute sooner than expected.

In his first public comments since the signing, Eli Ricks didn’t hold back on his frustrations with how things ended in Philadelphia.
“I ran out of patience with the Eagles. This was the third time in just one month that they released me, and at some point, you realize it’s not about talent – it’s about trust. I needed a team that believed in me. The Cowboys gave me that, and now it’s on me to prove I belong.”

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For Dallas, the addition may not only add depth but also fuel the rivalry with Philadelphia. For Ricks, it’s a fresh start — and a chance to channel frustration into proving his former team wrong.