Jacksonville Jaguars sign Chilean TE Sammi Reyes

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders tight end Sammis Reyes to the practice squad. The NFL’s lone Chilean player appeared in 11 games with one start for the Commanders in 2021, playing primarily on special teams.

Reyes, a native of Talcahauno, Chile, joined the Bears last year, after working out for the Bears, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings. He spent the season on the Bears’ practice squad.

Back in 2021, the 6’5 260-pound, 27 year old tight end was set to come through the NFL’s International Pathway Program (IPP), a program that provides international players with both training and a roadmap to break into the NFL. Each year four players are selected from the IPP’s group and placed onto teams in the same division following the NFL Draft. Initially, Reyes was one of the 11 prospects competing for a spot, but he was signed before the draft after Washington pulled the trigger on the raw prospect following an impressive pro day.

When Washington signed Reyes, the team knew he was a longshot. A former college basketball player, Reyes had never played football before signing up for the NFL program. He had played basketball at Tulane University (2016-18) and on the Chilean National team before starting his football career in 2021.