Eric Banks Bio
Eric Banks is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on January 30, 1998, in Memphis, Tennessee, Banks played college football for the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners from 2016 to 2019. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has since played for multiple franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Early Life and Background
Eric Banks was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended East High School in Memphis. During his high school years, Banks developed his skills as a defensive end, establishing himself as a promising college prospect. His performance at the high school level earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate stage.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school in Memphis, Banks joined the UTSA Roadrunners football program in 2016. Over four seasons with the program, he developed into a consistent performer along the defensive line. Banks worked to refine his technique and build the physical attributes necessary for professional play, ultimately positioning himself for the NFL draft. His collegiate career provided the foundation for his transition to the professional ranks.
Eric Banks Career
College Career (2016–2019)
Banks was a member of the UTSA Roadrunners for four seasons from 2016 to 2019. He appeared in 48 games during his collegiate career, establishing himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line. Banks finished his time at UTSA with 81 total tackles, including 20.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also recorded one fumble recovery and five forced fumbles, demonstrating his ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.
Los Angeles Rams (2020)
Banks signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft on April 25, 2020. He impressed during training camp and initially made the Rams’ 53-man roster out of camp, earning a spot on the active roster to begin his professional career. Banks was waived from the active roster on October 10, 2020, and subsequently resigned to the team’s practice squad on October 13, 2020. He signed a reserve/futures contract with the Rams on January 18, 2021, securing his place on the roster for the following season. Banks was waived by the Rams during final roster cuts on August 31, 2021.
Los Angeles Chargers (2021)
Banks was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Chargers on September 1, 2021, providing him with an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a new organization. However, his tenure with the Chargers was brief, as he was released on September 30, 2021, after approximately one month on the roster.
Detroit Lions (2021)
On October 1, 2021, Banks was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, his third team of the 2021 season. He was waived by the Lions on October 28, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad. Banks signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions on January 10, 2022, indicating the team’s interest in retaining him for the 2022 season. He was waived/injured by the Lions on August 30, 2022, and placed on injured reserve. He was released on September 5, 2022.
Arizona Cardinals (2022–2023)
On November 2, 2022, Banks was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad, joining his fourth NFL franchise. He was promoted to the active roster on January 7, 2023, after demonstrating consistency during his time on the practice squad. On August 29, 2023, Banks was released by the Cardinals and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on November 10, 2023, concluding his time with the organization.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024–Present)
On January 30, 2024, Banks signed a reserve/future contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, giving him an opportunity with his fifth NFL franchise. He was waived/injured on August 19, 2024. On March 28, 2025, Banks re-signed with the Buccaneers on a one-year, $1 million contract. He was released on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts.
Playing Style and Strengths
Banks plays the defensive end position, listed at 6 feet 5 inches and 274 pounds. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to penetrate the backfield and pressure quarterbacks, as evidenced by his 7.5 career sacks and five forced fumbles at UTSA. His size and length allow him to compete effectively against both the run and pass at the professional level.
Notable Career Moments
Among Banks’ notable career moments is his initial roster spot with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted rookie in 2020, which demonstrated his ability to earn a spot on an NFL roster through training camp performance. His signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on his birthday, January 30, 2024, marked a meaningful milestone in his professional journey.
Eric Banks Career Statistics
Banks has appeared on rosters for multiple NFL teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020. His professional career has been characterized by resilience and adaptability, having played for five different franchises in his first five seasons.
College Statistics (UTSA 2016–2019)
During his four seasons at UTSA, Banks recorded 81 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and five forced fumbles across 48 games played.
NFL Statistics
Banks has accumulated limited NFL statistics through the 2024 season, with 4 total tackles recorded in his professional career.
Eric Banks Family
Limited information is publicly available regarding Eric Banks’ family background. No information has been verified regarding his parents, siblings, or family lineage in relation to football.
Personal Life
Banks maintains a professional approach to his football career, having demonstrated adaptability by succeeding with multiple organizations throughout his NFL journey. He continues to pursue opportunities in professional football while maintaining his residence in the United States.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented challenges for Eric Banks. He re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 28, 2025, on a one-year contract reportedly worth $1 million. However, Banks was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts during the preseason. This release marked the end of his tenure with the Buccaneers and presented him with the task of seeking new opportunities in the NFL for the remainder of the 2025 season. Banks’ journey through five NFL franchises in five seasons demonstrates his determination to maintain a presence in professional football despite roster transitions and the competitive nature of the league.