Training camp may not have begun yet, but it’s never too early to formulate a roster. This season, the 53-man final roster cut is scheduled for Tuesday, August 30, and so far, the Philadelphia Eagles have 37 locks.
Accounting for these locks on the offense are the following players:
- Quarterback: Jalen Hurts & Gardner Minshew
- Running back: Miles Sanders, Boston, Scott & Kenneth Gainwell
- Wide receiver: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, & Zach Pascal
- Tight end: Dallas Goedert
- Offensive line: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, & Jack Driscoll
For the defense:
- Defensive line: Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, & Derek Barnett
- Linebacker: Haason Reddick, T.J. Edwards, Shaun Bradley, Nakobe Dean, & Kyzir White
- Cornerback: Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, & James Bradberry
- Safety: Anthony Harris & Marcus Epps
And, for special teams:
- Kicker: Jake Elliott
- Punter: Arryn Siposs
- Longsnapper: Rick Lovato
After these 37 players are accounted for, there is room for just 16 more. As training camp approaches on July 26, it’s likely that “competition” will be at the forefront of what head coach Nick Sirianni is searching for, and for some, it may be lacking. Below are ten possible Philadelphia Eagles players who may not make the 53-man roster when all is said and done.
TEN EAGLES PLAYERS WHO MAY NOT MAKE THE 53-MAN ROSTER
John Hightower: Wide Receiver
The Eagles drafted John Hightower in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He started in four games, recording 10 receptions for 167 yards. With the addition of DeVonta Smith last season, the Eagles’ need for Hightower decreased even further. He was waived, then signed to the practice squad the following day. After moving to the COVID list, the wide receiver was activated, then signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles in early 2022.
With a crowded wide receiver group, including Smith, Quez Watkins, and newcomers A.J. Brown and Zach Pascal, there’s not much room left for a player with little professional experience.
Deon Cain: Wide Receiver
Another wide receiver, Deon Cain has NFL experience, but hasn’t played since 2019 when he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In six games, he caught five passes for 72 yards. The following season, he staggered back and forth between the practice squad and active roster. In 2021, the Baltimore Ravens picked him up, signing him to a reserve/futures contract. He was then released, rejoining the reserve/futures list, but this time with the Eagles.
Similar to Hightower, Philadelphia’s wide receiver group is just too crowded.
Le’Raven Clark: Offensive Tackle
Le’Raven Clark was a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, joining the Indianapolis Colts. In 2021, the Eagles signed him, promoting him to the active roster late in the season.
Clark barely played in 2021, only starting in one of four games. He finished with a 61.1 overall grade by Pro Football Focus, not leaving much to be desired. Playing on the right, he stands behind Lane Johnson and Jack Driscoll, and it’s clear the two aren’t going anywhere. If the Eagles cut him, they also save over $1.1 million in cap space — a likely route.
Matt Leo: Defensive End
Matt Leo joined the Eagles as part of the International Player Pathway Program in 2020. He’s been on the practice squad, never playing for Philadelphia.
With the return of Brandon Graham and a new two-year contract for Derek Barnett, it would seem as if Matt Leo isn’t needed.
Reed Blankenship: Safety
The Eagles selected Reed Blankenship as an undrafted free agent this offseason. But, they also brought back Anthony Harris on a one-year deal and have Marcus Epps waiting in the wing for his start.
Josh Jobe: Cornerback
Cornerback Josh Jobe went unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft before the Eagles signed him in April. Philadelphia’s cornerback room is crowded, including four-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, and ten other players.
Ali Fayad: Linebacker
Ali Fayad went unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft; however, he had 13 sacks last season at Western Michigan. Though an impressive stat, he joins another crowded position. The Eagles already have T.J. Edwards, Haason Reddick, Kyzir White, Nakobe Dean, and Shaun Bradley to name a few.
Marvin Wilson: Defensive Tackle
The Eagles signed Marvin Wilson in 2021 after he was waived by the Cleveland Browns. He made his debut in Week 18 last season, completing three combined tackles. Philadelphia simply has too much depth, leaving very little room for Wilson.
Kennedy Brooks: Running Back
The Eagles finished the 2021 season as the No. 1 rush leader in the league. They added Kennedy Brooks as an undrafted free agent, but he will likely make little leeway behind Sanders, Scott, and Gainwell.
Reid Sinnett: Quarterback
Reid Sinnett has some experience. After playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins, he joined the Eagles in 2021. He did not appear in any games last season.
Philadelphia has already placed their confidence in Jalen Hurts. Gardner Minshew will come in as second-string, and despite Sinnett sitting third, some believe the player behind him, Carson Strong, has franchise quarterback ability.
