Eagles Claim Edge Rusher off Waivers from Panthers
The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their defensive line following Brandon Graham’s season-ending injury by claiming veteran edge rusher Charles Harris off waivers from the Carolina Panthers, as reported by Zach Berman of PHLY.
Harris, who will turn 30 in March, was originally a first-round pick (No. 22 overall) by the Miami Dolphins in the 2017 NFL Draft. At the time, he was a rumored target for the Eagles, who instead selected Derek Barnett at No. 14.
Harris’s career has been a winding journey. He managed just 3.5 sacks over 41 games with Miami before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons for a seventh-round pick. With Atlanta, he logged three sacks in 13 games before signing with the Detroit Lions in free agency.
Harris’s best season came in 2021, when he recorded 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits with the Lions. His performance earned him a two-year, $13 million contract extension, but his production declined sharply. Over the next two seasons, he posted just two sacks across 19 games.
Released by the Lions, Harris remained a free agent until signing with the Panthers in September. With Carolina, he logged three sacks, four tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits in nine games. However, his playing time diminished with the return of D.J. Wonnum from injured reserve, leading to Harris’s release to make room for cornerback Akayleb Evans.
In Philadelphia, Harris is expected to join a pass-rush rotation that includes Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, and Jalyx Hunt. His experience and prior production make him a viable option to fill the gap left by Graham. However, expectations should be tempered. According to Pro Football Focus, Harris ranks 110th out of 127 edge rushers this season and is 96th in their “Pass Rush Productivity” metric.
While Harris faces size and athletic limitations, the Eagles are betting that his veteran experience and flashes of past success can provide depth and situational contributions to their defensive front. With Philadelphia aiming for another deep postseason run, Harris will have an opportunity to prove his value in a competitive environment.