The Eagles have now finalized their initial 53-man roster with the following players making the cut. The team had a talented 90-man roster entering the preseason so it will be interesting to see which players make the practice squad as the team continues to tinker with the roster.
Here is the initial 53-man roster of the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles:
Quarterback (3)
Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee
The Quarterback hierarchy has been set since the Eagles traded for Kenny Pickett this summer, Hurts is QB1, Pickett will be the backup, and McKee QB3.
Running Back (3)
Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, and Will Shipley.
New Eagles OC, Kellen Moore, regularly rotated the RBs during his time in Dallas which could have rookie Will Shipley on the field more than some think. He has looked good in space this summer and with an improved pass protection may play more than some thought.
Wide Receiver (5)
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the undisputed 1A and 1B, while newly-acquired Jahan Dotson will be in-line for immediate starting reps out of the slot.
Ainias Smith suffered an injury in the last preseason game and was placed on IR, giving Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson some serenity on the 53-man roster.
John Ross was among those who didn’t make the cut after a disappointing Summer.
Tight End (2)
Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra
The Eagles go surprisingly light here and waived EJ Jenkins after his preseason breakout. He could resurface on the practice squad, but carrying 2 tight ends feels…a little risky.
Albert Okwuegbunam is going on IR due to a core muscle repair. He will miss 6–8 recovering. Until then, the Eagles will be rolling with a two-man tandem barring any late signings.
The NY Giants waived Jack Stoll. A reunion in Philadelphia could be in the works.
Offensive Line (9)
Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Fred Johnson, Darian Kinnard, Tyler Steen, Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, Mekhi Becton, Trevor Keegan
This was a pretty predictable outcome, but there are still some intriguing storylines.
Waiving Brett Toth is a minor surprise due to his ability to play as a backup center, but they may be able to get him back. He is a candidate for the practice squad and can be used on a few weekly elevations.
2024 sixth-round pick Dylan McMahon was also placed on waivers.
Defensive Tackle (6)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Marlon Tuipulotu, Thomas Booker IV
The Eagles value the lines as much, if not more, than any team in the NFL. Carrying 6 DT’s allows for a heavy rotation, something that ultimately played a vital role in both recent Super Bowl appearances.
Thomas Booker is rewarded for a great off-season with a spot on the roster.
EDGE (6)
Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson
The Eagles are relying heavily on Huff being able to play more snaps and be as productive with a heavier workload as he was for the Jets. Nolan Smith is being counted on to take a sophomore leap in production, but his struggles in the preseason are likely a reason they went heavy at this position.
Patrick Johnson worked hard, and played well all summer. He earned his spot on the roster.
It’s also interesting to note that Jalyx Hunt has been listed here and not at OLB…something to watch through the opening weeks.
Linebacker (5)
Devin White, Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Nakobe Dean, Ben VanSumeren
Could this be the most talented LB core the Eagles have had since 2017? They have youth and ability on their side. It will be fascinating to watch how the position evolves. Devin White and Zack Baun will be your week 1 starters after two very solid Training Camps.
Cornerback (6)
Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers, Eli Ricks
Going heavy at CB makes a lot of sense. DBs are the positions claimed the most in waivers on cutdown day. Last season 10 of the 24 players claimed were DBs, including the one that the Eagles cut, K’Von Wallace.
The Eagles keep hold of as many talented young players as they can, with Cooper DeJean also starting the year at corner, likely backing up Quinyon Mitchell in the slot. Also note that Avonte Maddox makes the roster as a Safety, giving the keys to the first-round rookie.
Safety (5)
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum, Avonte Maddox, James Bradberry
While it may surprise some that James Bradberry makes the initial roster. There were reports that the Eagles were in trade discussions earlier this week.
The Eagles have 11 DBs on the initial roster. Many can play multiple positions and this will be invaluable in Fangio’s defense.
Tristin McCollum makes the roster after a strong Summer. He’ll be a vital special teams cog piece this season and has earned every bit of that role.
Special Teams (3)
Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Rick Lovato
These 3 were locked n all summer, no surprises here!
As always, Thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports