Eagles Sign Tyler Steen, Sydney Brown to Rookie Contracts
They became Philadelphia Eagles at virtually the same time, with offensive lineman Tyler Steen being taken with the 65th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, then, minutes later, safety Sydney Brown coming off the board with the 66th selection.
On Thursday morning, the pair of third-round choices were at it again, both signing their rookie contracts at virtually the same time.
Only two players remain unsigned from the seven the Eagles drafted at the end of April. They are the second of two first-round picks, Nolan Smith, and fourth-round selection Kelee Ringo.
Signed prior to the team’s rookie camp earlier in May were first-round defensive tackle Jalen Carter, sixth-round quarterback Tanner McKee, and seventh-round defensive tackle Moro Ojomo.
The signing of Brown came a day after he changed his uniform number. Originally issued 43, Brown will now wear No. 21.
The number seems to be more in line with what one would expect a starter to wear, and Brown could very well end up being just that.
Right now, the Eagles seem intent on starting second-year safety Reed Blankenship, an undrafted free agent last year, but the second spot is up for grabs, with free-agent signings Terrell Edmunds and Justin Evans in the mix.
Brown said earlier this month that he was just coming in to initially learn the system and earn the respect of his teammates.
Sources said, however, that on one of his first plays during rookie camp, he intercepted McKee, and coaches have been impressed with what they have seen from him.
“I think it’s just about learning (the NFL culture),” Brown said during rookie camp. “You’ve got guys who’ve been doing this for a while and are used to the system, that have been through it.
"I think experience definitely takes precedence. At the end of the day, if you put the time in, and you have the right mindset and focus, it (the opportunity to start) will come your way.”
Steen is expected to challenge for the right guard spot with last year’s rookie second-round pick Cam Jurgens.
Ed Kracz covers the Philadelphia Eagles for SI's EaglesToday.
Please follow him and our Eagles coverage on Twitter at @kracze.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here
