PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles signed offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson, who had been on the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad.
To make room, the Eagles released center/guard Julian Vandervelde. This is the fourth time the Eagles have released Vandervelde this year. He joked after being signed two weeks ago that he hoped to break the record for transactions with a single team.
Hawkinson, 25, is 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. That was 20 picks after the Eagles selected safety Earl Wolff.
A product of the University of Kansas, Hawkinson appeared in three games in 2014. He was released this year and signed to the 49ers' practice squad.
The move gives the Eagles eight offensive linemen. The starting five include tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson, guards Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin and center Jason Kelce. The reserves are Hawkinson, Dennis Kelly and Josh Andrews.
Kelly can play guard or tackle. Andrews is a center/guard type, like Vandervelde. Hawkinson gives the Eagles another guard/tackle to develop.
Eagles coach Chip Kelly has said the Eagles would like to carry nine offensive linemen. They have gone light there because of injuries at inside linebacker.
