Former Miami defensive tackle David Blay Jr. did not stay on the open market for long, and his next NFL opportunity comes with a familiar face waiting for him in Philadelphia.
The Eagles are signing Blay, just three days after the New England Patriots released the undrafted rookie. The move reunites Blay with former Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell, whom Philadelphia selected with the No. 68 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The #Eagles are signing defensive lineman David Blay, a source tells @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 10, 2026
Pennsylvania native who was a starter at University of Miami last season. Before Miami, was an all-conference selection at Louisiana Tech. Had 6.5 sacks for Louisiana Tech in 2024. pic.twitter.com/YTPiINyRlE
Eagles add another former Miami Hurricane by signing David Blay Jr.
Blay worked out for the Eagles on Sunday alongside running back Ja'Quinden Jackson and former Philadelphia edge rusher Tarron Jackson. By Monday, Blay had earned another chance to continue his push for an NFL roster spot.
Blay grew up in Levittown and attended Harry S. Truman High School before beginning his college career at Division II West Chester. He eventually transferred to Louisiana Tech and turned himself into an All-Conference USA player before making one final jump to Miami for the 2025 season.
At Louisiana Tech, Blay started all 12 games in 2024 and finished with 46 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, leading the Bulldogs in both sacks and tackles for loss.
His numbers naturally dropped in a much deeper Miami defensive-line rotation, but Blay still became an important interior piece during the Hurricanes' run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. He played in 13 games and recorded 28 tackles.
New England gave Blay his first professional opportunity after he went undrafted in April. The Patriots signed him as a rookie free agent on May 8, but his roster push ended when the team released him Aug. 7 while signing safety Eric Butler. Blay finished his college career with 129 tackles and 11.5 sacks across 46 games at West Chester, Louisiana Tech and Miami.
Philadelphia now gives him a second chance in a defensive tackle room led by established players such as Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.
Philadelphia opens the preseason Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. One week later, the Eagles travel to New England on Aug. 22.
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