Eagles Finalize 53-Man Roster with Surprising Cuts and Keeps
The Philadelphia Eagles finalized their initial 53-man roster on Sunday after NFL cutdown day, with general manager Howie Roseman making several decisions that drew attention for their unconventional nature. The roster, as submitted, includes four quarterbacks, four tight ends, and six cornerbacks, while waiving two international pathway prospects.
Among the most notable moves, the Eagles waived defensive tackle Uar Bernard and edge rusher Joshua Weru, both international pathway players. Bernard, a seventh-round pick from Nigeria, and Weru, an undrafted free agent from Kenya, had shown promise during the preseason, with Weru recording a sack. According to com, the decision to waive them is difficult to justify given their athletic upside, though the team may be betting on the possibility of re-signing them to the practice squad if they clear waivers.
In a move that surprised several observers, the Eagles kept four quarterbacks: Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, and rookie Cole Payton. According to Mechanicsburg Patriot News, Roseman "clearly didn't like the trade market" for either McKee or Dalton, and the team may still explore trades before the season if a suitable offer emerges. Only three other NFL teams kept four quarterbacks this season: the Vikings, Steelers, and Falcons.
At tight end, the Eagles kept J. Jenkins over Cameron Latu for the fourth spot. Jenkins, who had been a cutdown-day casualty the previous two years, earned his place with strong blocking, according to Sports Illustrated. The team valued Jenkins' ability to contribute in 13 personnel and as a red-zone target, whereas Latu's strengths lay in lining up in the backfield, a role the team decided not to prioritize.
The Eagles also kept six cornerbacks, including Mac McWilliams as the sixth. According to Sports Illustrated, the team chose McWilliams over Kapena Gushiken because McWilliams had a year in the system and could play both the slot and special teams. The team apparently believed Gushiken could pass through waivers to the practice squad.
At linebacker, the Eagles cut Chance Campbell despite defensive coordinator Vic Fangio having told reporters not to sleep on him. According to Mechanicsburg Patriot News, Campbell had impressed during the summer but was released as the team kept four inside linebackers. Sports Illustrated reported that the Eagles have three starters at inside linebacker in Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, and Jeremiah Trotter , with Smael Mondon as a backup. Fangio has described the inside linebacker group as the deepest position on the team.
The Eagles also kept undrafted rookie long-snapper Rocco Underwood, a move that Mechanicsburg Patriot News called a minor surprise given his early struggles in training camp.
Looking Ahead
Roseman is expected to address the roster decisions with reporters on Monday, and further moves on waivers or in the trade market remain possible. The initial 53-man roster may not be the final one, as the team could still adjust before the season begins.