There have been multiple success stories around the NFL of players who were drafted in a high position but struggled to make an impact early in their career. The Minnesota Vikings are currently finding success with quarterback Sam Darnold, proving that a disappointing start to a career doesn't always mean it will stay that way.
For the Vikings, hopes were high when the team selected safety Lewis Cine out of Georgia with the No. 32 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Sadly, he played in just ten games for Minnesota, earning ten defensive snaps over that period, before he was released following the 2023 season.
Injuries and other issues prevented Cine from developing into the player the purple and gold hoped he would be, However, that didn't stop the Buffalo Bills from adding hm to their practice squad. He remained there throughout the season but recently changed teams once again.
Former Vikings first round pick signs with NFC East playoff team
On Wednesday, Pro Football Talk on X announced that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed Lewis Cine to their active roster from the Bills' practice squad, giving him another opportunity with a contender.
Eagles sign Lewis Cine off of the Bills' practice squad. https://t.co/suCsWZvOr7
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 8, 2025
The Eagles are the No. 2 seed in the NFC and will host the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Philadelpia had an open spot on their roster after waiving quarterback Ian Book earlier this week.
A look at Cine's stats for his NFL career won't impress anyone. In ten games, he registered one assisted tackle while primarily playing special teams in Minnesota. Philadephia likely sees some of the potential the Vikings saw in him when they selected him with a top draft pick.
The 25 year old defensive back was commonly an inactive player on Minnesota Vikings game days during his team. Don't expect the Eagles to attempt to plug him into their defense and expect results, instead think of this as a special teams signing for Philadelphia with potential for more if he fits what their gameplan is.
It's always nice to see former Vikings players getting opportunities to succeed. Even if they no longer wear a purple and gold jersey and were considered to be a draft bust, there is always the chance a player like Lewis Cine can turn things around when given a great chance and working hard.