The deadline has passed and just like that, the Eagles roster has been cut from 90 all the way down to 53. Here is everything you need to know about the moves and the shape of the roster moving forward.
Released:
WR Kamar Aiken,
DE Steven Means,
WR Markus Wheaton
It’s really sad to see Steven Means cut from the team after yet another outstanding preseason. The man just made play after play when he was given the opportunity and was a strong presence in the locker room. Losing him is undoubtedly going to be costly in terms of depth on the defensive line, but also as someone that pushed those around him.
As for the two wideouts, Wheaton battled injury problems all offseason and Aiken was a late-comer, so wasn’t really expected to make a real push, despite flashing during preseason.
Waived/injured the following players:
CB DJ Killings
TE Gannon Sinclair
T Toby Weathersby
Injuries can’t be helped, but these three players will all be looking for a bright future when they return from injury. Gannon Sinclair was a very recent signing, but both Killings and Weathersby could be names to watch out for in months to come as late practice squad signings.
Waived the following players:
RB Josh Adams
CB De’Vante Bausby
LB Asantay Brown
TE Billy Brown
QB Joe Callahan
DT Winston Craig
WR Rashard Davis
TE Anthony Denham
G Aaron Evans
DE Danny Ezechukwu
S Ironhead Gallon
G Darrell Greene
QB Christian Hackenberg
T Taylor Hart
RB Matt Jones
DE Joe Ostman
WR Darius Prince
RB Donnel Pumphrey
DT Elijah Qualls
S Jeremy Reaves
DT Aziz Shittu
CB Chandon Sullivan
C Jon Toth
WR Bryce Treggs
WR Greg Ward
LB Jaboree Williams
LB Kyle Wilson
WR Tim Wilson
Quarterback:
No real shocks here. Hackenberg laid an egg during a preseason game against his former team and a late surge from Joe Callahan was never going to be enough to dethrone Nate Sudfeld, who had a brilliant preseason and Training Camp.
Running back:
The big surprise here is obviously the cutting of Donnel Pumphrey. The former fourth-round pick has had hamstring trouble after hamstring trouble and unfortunately, being sidelined opened the door to a flurry of other backs to try and snatch his spot. In the limited seconds we did see Pumphrey in action, he hardly stole the show and it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but a necessary one.
I can’t imagine the Eagles being too pleased about waiving Josh Adams, but it’s a part of the business that they’re well aware of. The undrafted free agent will be snapped up on the spot and signed to the practice squad, if he clears waivers.
That also means that Wendell Smallwood has made the final-53 as the team’s fourth running back. I don’t know how many ‘last straws’ there can be, but this one must be down to the final inch.
Tight end:
Billy Brown and Anthony Denham are cut loose, but the team surprisingly kept Josh Perkins on the final 53, keeping four tight ends for the first time since they kept a young UDFA named Trey Burton under the wings of James Casey, Brent Celek and Zach Ertz. Perkins brings blocking upside and Brown couldn’t really build on the strong foundation planted last offseason.
Wide receiver:
It’s interesting to see the Eagles deciding to part ways with Bryce Treggs, who has been around this Eagles team since Pederson’s arrival. Other than that, the main surprise is actually a man who didn’t get cut, DeAndre Carter. His story is simply remarkable and the fact he was signed so late into the offseason and still found a way to steal the spotlight makes it even more so. A tremendous story may just be the beginning however, with the Eagles facing some depth issues over the coming weeks.
Offensive line:
JORDAN. MAILATA. MADE. THE. TEAM.
Defensive line:
The Eagles also part ways with former draftee, Elijah Qualls, which can’t be an easy choice to make. That’s two players from the same draft class who have been cut this year. Elsewhere, it does mean that Bruce Hector made the team as the elusive fourth defensive tackle, which is really encouraging to see as he clearly earned that during preseason.
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Linebacker:
Joe Walker survives by the skin of his teeth and will back up Bradham and Hicks, but look for the Eagles to potentially bring back Asantay Brown or Kyle Wilson on the ten-man practice squad.
Cornerback:
De’Vante Bausby was an unfortunate casualty here after stealing the hearts of everyone during Training Camp. Unfortunately, he was unable to cling on to the nickel battle, losing out to Jones and Maddox.
Safety:
It’s difficult seeing Jeremy Reaves cut after such a strong preseason showing, but again, he would be pinched in the blink of an eye if he clears waivers.
Placed S Chris Maragos on Reserve/PUP
Placed DT Tim Jernigan on Reserve/NFI
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
