The Philadelphia Eagles made a quiet but important roster move on Friday, activating veteran long snapper Charley Hughlett from injured reserve. It’s not the kind of transaction that makes headlines, but in a game where every detail matters-especially when it comes to special teams-this could be a timely boost as the Eagles enter the final stretch of the season.
Hughlett, 35, brings over a decade of NFL experience to the table. Originally signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of UCF back in 2012, his early career was a bit of a journey. He had short stints with the Patriots, Jaguars, and Chiefs before finally finding stability in Cleveland, where he carved out a long-term role.
The Browns picked him up in 2014, and Hughlett became a fixture on their special teams unit. He signed a six-year deal in 2017 and later earned a four-year extension in 2022 that was set to carry him through the 2026 season. But the Browns moved on this past offseason, and that opened the door for the Eagles to bring in a seasoned specialist with a proven track record.
Before landing on injured reserve at the end of September, Hughlett had appeared in four games for Philadelphia this season. While the long snapper position rarely gets the spotlight, consistency and precision are non-negotiables, especially when it comes to field goals, punts, and tight-game situations. A bad snap can flip momentum in an instant, and having a steady hand like Hughlett’s back in the mix could make a difference when it matters most.
For the Eagles, this move is about reinforcing the fundamentals. As playoff positioning tightens and every possession becomes more critical, special teams execution can be the hidden edge. And with Hughlett now healthy and ready to go, the Eagles are betting on experience to help keep that edge sharp.