BREAKING: Eagles sign former 49ers & Commanders DB after losing WR to injury
Tariq Castro-Fields, a former defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders, has joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ 16-player practice squad. In addition, the Eagles moved wide receiver John Ross to the Practice Squad Injured List. Philadelphia announced the changes on October 21. Castro-Fields is the third recent former 49ers draft pick to join Philadelphia’s practice squad. Former Niners running back Tyrion Davis-Price and ex-wide receiver Danny Grey are also on the Eagles’ practice squad. It’s unclear whether Castro-Fields will play for the Eagles this season, but given his expertise, it’s probably possible.
Some Background on New Philadelphia Eagles DB Tariq Castro-Fields
Castro-Fields was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Penn State. However, he was waived by the 49ers a few months later and then picked up by the Commanders, where he played in 10 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
In 2024, Castro-Fields joined the Carolina Panthers, appearing in two games on special teams before being waived on October 1. He now has a new opportunity with the Eagles.
Throughout his three NFL seasons, Castro-Fields has played only 27 defensive snaps, mostly contributing on special teams. He’s expected to have a similar role with the Eagles. Despite the transitions in his career, Castro-Fields possesses the physical attributes—standing 6’1″, weighing 200 pounds, and clocking an official 4.38-second 40-yard dash—that could help him develop into a solid player if he finds the right fit.
Does WR John Ross Have a Future With the Philadelphia Eagles?
Castro-Fields was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft following a standout college career at Penn State. A few months later, he was waived by the 49ers and then picked up by the Commanders, where he played in 10 games across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
In 2024, he joined the Carolina Panthers, appearing in two games on special teams before being waived on October 1. Now, he’s set to join the Eagles for a new opportunity.
Over his three NFL seasons, Castro-Fields has played just 27 defensive snaps, primarily contributing on special teams. His role with the Eagles is expected to be similar. Despite his career transitions, he has the physical attributes—6’1″, 200 pounds, and a 4.38-second 40-yard dash—that could help him develop into a reliable player if given the right opportunity.
Does WR John Ross Have a Future With the Philadelphia Eagles?
Drafted 9th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, John Ross garnered significant attention for setting the NFL Combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.22 seconds. Despite this impressive feat, his career has fallen short of the expectations often associated with a top-10 pick.
Ross’s best season came in 2019, when he got off to a strong start, recording 506 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just eight games before an injury derailed his momentum. However, his time with the Bengals was marked by recurring injuries and inconsistent performances, which led the team to decline his fifth-year option.
Ross was out of the league during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
As of 2024, he has been with the Philadelphia Eagles, though his contributions have been limited. He has only one reception for six yards this season. After signing with the Eagles in the spring, Ross expressed confidence in his improved health and consistency.
“I just feel better, so I think I can consistently be faster, and that was my biggest thing,” he said in May, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Can this guy go every single day and look the same every single day? And I feel like I’m getting to the point where I can be consistent with my speed. And to me, that’s the biggest thing.”
Throughout his career, Ross has totaled 63 receptions for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns over 38 games. Whether the Eagles will give him more opportunities this season remains uncertain, given his minimal usage so far.