Former Washington WR John Ross signs deal with Eagles

Former first-round pick John Ross has made his way back to the NFL.

Once known as the fastest man at the NFL combine, former Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross has come out of retirement and signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles following a strong showing at their rookie camp.

Ross will join an already loaded roster in Philadelphia with offensive weapons A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith at wide receiver, and running back Saquon Barkley, all led by All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts. He should fit nicely into new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s scheme thanks to his speed.

Head coach Nick Siriani and special teams coordinator Michael Clay could also be planning for Ross to act as a kickoff and punt returner. The NFL changed the special teams rules for the upcoming season to suit a speedster like Ross, who was clocked at a 4.22 in the 40-yard dash the 2017 NFL combine.

During Ross’ three seasons on Montlake, he collected 109 receptions for 1,701 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns during his college career.

Shortly after Washington’s 2016 Peach Bowl loss to Alabama, he announced he was foregoing his senior year to enter the NFL draft.  He was taken No. 9 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, spending four seasons with the team before being released and picked up by the New York Giants.

After an injury plagued season he was once again released and spent the 2022 NFL season unsigned. In January 2023, Ross signed a futures contract with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, but informed the team in July of his retirement.