Joe Tryon-Shoyinka's Eagles Future in Doubt After Minicamp Absence
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka was the only player absent from the Philadelphia Eagles' mandatory minicamp this spring, risking nearly $54,000 in fines and putting his roster spot in serious jeopardy. The Eagles' subsequent signing of A.J. Epenesa, a more productive and proven pass rusher, signals that the franchise may have already moved on from Tryon-Shoyinka, whose one-year, low-guarantee contract offered no real security.
Why did Joe Tryon-Shoyinka miss Eagles minicamp?
Head coach Nick Sirianni typically enjoys perfect attendance at mandatory minicamp. Players might sit out team drills, but they are usually present. This year, Tryon-Shoyinka was nowhere to be found. He missed all four practices open to the media, subjecting himself to a maximum fine of $53,959 for the two days he missed. The Eagles have remained silent on the matter, leaving the reason for his absence a mystery. What is clear, however, is that his stock has fallen within the organization.
How does the A.J. Epenesa signing affect the pass rush room?
The Eagles signed Epenesa immediately after minicamp concluded, suggesting they already had a contingency plan in place. Epenesa is simply a better player. He recorded 28 pressures, nine quarterback hits, and a 13.7% pressure rate across 16 games last season. He also posted six or more sacks in each of the three seasons prior, and 20-plus pressures in each of the last five seasons.
Philadelphia essentially landed a low-risk, high-reward deal. The Cleveland Browns backed out of an agreement with Epenesa in March following a physical, but the Eagles are willing to bet on his health. For Tryon-Shoyinka, this signing crowds an already packed room. When he signed a one-year deal in March worth $1,402,500, with only $662,500 guaranteed and a $162,500 signing bonus, there was a clear role for him. Then the Eagles acquired Jonathan Greenard during the draft, significantly shrinking Tryon-Shoyinka's potential snaps. Now, he faces an uphill battle just to make the final roster.
Could Brandon Graham return and take the final roster spot?
The situation gets even tighter for Tryon-Shoyinka when considering Brandon Graham. The Eagles have a roster spot waiting for Graham if he chooses to return for a 17th season. Philadelphia currently has 90 players on the roster, but they were granted a 91st spot thanks to Uar Bernard's participation in the International Pathway Program. If Graham returns, that fills the 91st spot.
A 53-man roster typically carries five pass rushers. If Graham takes the sixth spot, Tryon-Shoyinka would have to beat out Epenesa for a job. That is a steep climb for a player who just skipped mandatory workouts. The market spoke clearly when Tryon-Shoyinka signed his modest contract. In a league where performance dictates value, his absence and the Eagles' swift roster moves suggest his time in Philadelphia might be running out.
What is Joe Tryon-Shoyinka's contract with the Eagles?
Tryon-Shoyinka signed a one-year deal worth $1,402,500. The contract includes a $162,500 signing bonus and $662,500 in total guaranteed money. Because the financial commitment is low, the Eagles can easily move on without suffering significant salary cap penalties, making his roster spot highly vulnerable.