The Philadelphia Eagles have three returning running backs from last season’s roster, including their top two backs in terms of rushing yardage. That could make it difficult for another running back, even a veteran such as Dameon Pierce, to carve out a role in 2026.
But USA Today’s Eagles Wire’s Glenn Erby sees Pierce getting an opportunity when the team’s offseason workouts begin.
Erby included Pierce on a list of five “under-the-radar players to watch” with the Eagles offense at OTAs.
“The Eagles quietly added one of the NFL’s more physical backup runners when they brought in Dameon Pierce,” wrote Erby.
“Pierce’s downhill style contrasts nicely with Barkley’s explosiveness and Tank Bigsby’s balance, giving Philadelphia another rugged option in short-yardage situations. OTAs should provide early insight into how Pierce fits within the offensive rotation and whether the Eagles envision a larger role for him than many expect.”
As a rookie in 2022 with the Houston Texans, Pierce posted 1,104 yards form scrimmage with five touchdowns. He rushed for 939 yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
Pierce split last season with the Texans and Kansas City Chiefs.
What Dameon Pierce Could Bring to Eagles Offense in 2026
Pierce is the perfect fit for the list Erby created ahead of offseason workouts starting.
Rookies are often the center of attention this time of year. If a veteran causes headlines, it’s usually because he’s a cut candidate.
New veterans who don’t get much fanfare in free agency often get tossed by the wayside in offseason workouts storylines.
Pierce, though, should have our attention. He only turned 26 years old this offseason, and he has registered two seasons with at least 500 yards from scrimmage.
Pierce probably won’t get enough touches to get to that level of production with the Eagles. But he could be a goal-line contributor as a depth running back in Philadelphia if he’s on the roster.
The Texans selected Pierce at No. 107 overall during the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry with five total touchdowns as a rookie.
In 42 games for the Texans, Pierce scored nine touchdowns. He also posted four yards per carry.
Houston waived Pierce on November 20 last year. The running back finished the campaign on the Chiefs practice squad. He appeared in one game for Kansas City as a practice squad elevation.
Other Players ‘Under the Radar’ for Eagles in OTAs
Erby featured a mixture of new veterans and rookies on his list of “under the radar” players before offseason workouts officially start.
Along with Pierce, veteran tight end Stone Smartt made the list. Smartt will be trying to carve out playing time in a tight end group that has several veterans but also second-round rookie Eli Stowers.
Day 2 and 3 draft selections made up the rest of the list. Most notably, rookie quarterback Cole Payton made the cut.
“The former North Dakota State quarterback may quietly become one of the most intriguing developmental players on the roster,” wrote Erby. “Payton offers athleticism, mobility, and positional versatility that fit naturally inside a modern NFL offense.
“Philadelphia already has stability with Hurts, Tanner McKee, and veteran Andy Dalton, but Payton’s dual-threat skill set gives him legitimate long-term intrigue.”
Payton is definitely an intriguing developmental prospect. How quietly he has become that, though, may be up for debate. During rookie minicamp, there appeared to be a lot of hype around the quarterback.
Wide receiver Johnny Wilson and offensive tackle Markel Bell were the other players on Erby’s list.
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