You Made The Team!

The Eagles will take the Jefferson Health Training Complex practice fields next week for OTAs, offering a first look at the 2026 version of the roster. Well, not entirely; while the team will take the assembled group into training camp, there will be some difficult decisions make before parsing the roster to 53 players.

Competition is expected to be fierce, as job openings — seemingly — are at a premium, setting the stage for an eventful summer.

After taking some time to mull over the roster, my thought process slightly altered in some cases, shaping this particular roster outlook. With that, ahead of OTAs next week, here’s a look at my way-too-early Eagles 53-man roster projection.

GETTY IMAGES: QB Jalen Hurts (1) and RB Saquon Barkley are back to lead t the Eagles’ new-look offense.

Offense: 26

Quarterback (3): Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Cole Payton

In his post-draft wrap-up, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman mentioned the team would be open to carrying four quarterbacks on the roster. Assembling this way-too-early 53 in May, the puzzle pieces just didn’t fit. The Eagles truly value backup Tanner McKee, and won’t merely deal him without what the team deems to be proper compensation, but there’s widespread belief that McKee offers starting upside. He carries more value than 38-year-old Andy Dalton, so my thought process here is that either an injury arises somewhere around the league or a team simply isn’t overly enthused with its quarterback situation, compelling a pursuit of McKee. Of course, Payton, selected in the fifth-round, shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a lock. The North Dakota State product is an enticing developmental prospect with plus athletic traits, but it’s worth noting the Eagles did part with Kyle McCord last summer — who was selected just three picks later than Payton.

Out: Tanner McKee

Running back (3): Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley

Little suspense here. Barkley leads the way, with Bigsby reprising his role as Barkley’s immediate backup. But Barkley, 29, rolled up a combined 625 carries over the past two seasons, perhaps creating a larger role for Bigsby in 2026 to minimize wear-and-tear. Bigsby is such a fun runner to watch and his unconventional style only amplifies the intrigue. The Auburn product runs as if he’s angry at the ground and never hesitates to drop his pad level when facing oncoming traffic. Bigsby often created his own holes and improvised on the fly, embodying a never surrender mentality, which resulted in success last season. He carried 58 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns in his 16 games with the Eagles, and completes one of the NFL’s better 1-2 punches. Shipley was featured heavily as a pass-catcher last summer, suggesting an expanded role in Year 2 was imminent. Curiously, the breakthrough never materialized, with Shipley touching the ball just 23 times in 15 games. That said, Shipley, 23, projects as a player who could benefit from a schematic shift that promotes more outside runs and offers a different element with his quickness and receiving prowess. Perhaps he’ll etch out a complementary role under OC Sean Mannion as a changeup option. The Clemson product is also a core-four special teamer who should be in the mix to return kicks once again.

Wide receiver (6): DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper, Johnny Wilson

Smith will ascend to the top spot in the order in the wake of an expected A.J. Brown trade, and the sixth-year pro could be positioned to capitalize on his most fruitful season to date. He’ll be complemented by the rookie Lemon, another razor-sharp route-runner who displays strong hands and an attention to detail. I’m expecting Lemon to operate as a chain-mover who can slip tackles and generate yards after the catch. Wicks for three seasons largely existed as an underutilized receiving option amid a crowded room in Green Bay, but the Eagles specifically targeted the 24-year-old – acquiring Wicks via trade – fueling the notion that a larger role awaits. Wicks also reunites in Philadelphia with two former offensive coaches from Green Bay in Mannion and run game coordinator/tight ends coach Ryan Mahaffey, so he’s coming in with a firm grasp on how things are supposed to look.

Brown sticks as deep threat, the veteran adding a different dimension to the receiving corps. With Hurts at the helm, the presumption is that Brown’s blistering long speed will be maximized. Cooper, an undrafted rookie last season, emerged from the bottom of the depth chart, coming up with a head-turning play in nearly every practice. The 24-year-old appeared in 13 games for the Eagles last season, reeling in nine passes, and has been a great story of development. Cooper sports a physical, compact build and isn’t afraid to mix it up as a blocker, checking off important boxes for a depth receiver.

Perhaps I’m placing too much value on Wilson‘s development from last summer as a receiver prior to his season-ending injury, but I’ve also taken into account Wilson’s willingness, and effectiveness, when it comes to carrying out the dirty work. The 6-foot-6 wideout also contributed on special teams as a rookie, clinching my case for leaning heavier here.

There simply wasn’t room for Elijah Moore, as the sixth-year pro has compiled just 19 special teams snaps in his career. The omission of Britain Covey was a bit tougher, as the 29-year-old has established himself as a sure-handed and tough-as-nails punt returner. It’s also worth noting that Covey’s preparation and attention to detail qualifies as exceptional. He’s been a reliable and trustworthy option under coordinator Michael Clay, which shouldn’t be discounted, but the thinking here is Covey returns on the practice squad.

Out: A.J. Brown, Elijah Moore, Britian Covey, Danny Gray, Quez Watkins

GETTY IMAGES: For one more season, Eagles TE Dallas Goedert returns to lead the room. He’s still a reliable target.

Tight end (4): Dallas Goedert, Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, Cameron Latu

Goedert, fresh off career highs in receptions (60) and touchdowns (11), sits atop the depth chart for another season. Expect Mannion to incorporate the tight ends at a higher frequency, with Goedert being the primary beneficiary. While Goedert regressed in the blocking facet last season, the 31-year-old remains a dynamic receiving threat who shares a strong rapport with Hurts. Stowers, the Eagles’ second-round pick this spring, represents the future. The 2025 Mackey Award winner flourished as a pass catcher at the college level and projects as an explosive three-level threat offering alignment versatility, but the blocking remains a work in progress.

After much consideration, I elected to keep Mundt, a mauling inline blocker, on the roster to ensure a diversified skill set is represented. Latu carries added appeal due to positional versatility (the fourth-year pro can also play fullback if the Eagles choose to continue implementing one) and special teams impact. Latu, 26, appeared in 15 games for the Eagles last season. The tough omission here was Dae’Quan Wright, who surprisingly went undrafted, as the 22-year-old offers theoretical upside. It’s hard to put him on the roster, at least right now, as the Ole Miss product hasn’t even logged a single training camp practice. Stone Smartt, signed in free agency following a one-year stint with the New York Jets, is a player I’m interested to see in action. He’s relatively new to the position but brings with him 53 games (seven starts) of NFL experience.

Out: Grant Calcaterra, E.J. Jenkins, Stone Smartt, Dae’Quan Wright

Offensive line (10): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Drew Kendall, Markel Bell, Micah Morris, Cameron Williams

The Eagles’ star-studded unit last season was hindered by injuries that notably sidelined the future Hall of Famer Johnson for the final eight regular season games and hampered Dickerson and Jurgens throughout the season. One of the most prominent storylines this summer, and leading into the regular season, will center around their respective health statuses. Beyond the undisputed starting five, Fred Johnson, retained in free agency, is the lone reserve with extensive experience. The 28-year-old started 14 regular season games for the Eagles over the past two seasons and can ably fill in at right or left tackle. Kendall, 24, elevates into the role previously occupied by Brett Toth, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March. Specifically, Kendall will serve as the immediate backup to Jurgens at center, while potentially offering guard versatility on game days. Kendall, who appeared in seven games (one start) as a rookie, performed well in the season finale, and the Eagles are banking he’ll build off of it.

Morris, drafted in the sixth-round this spring, brings athleticism and developmental upside and has experience play right and left guard. Torn between Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams, I ultimately leaned toward Williams, who actually happens to be two years younger than his 2025 draft mate. When the Texas product was pressed into service in Week 18, Williams showcased some of the raw talent that validated his draft buzz. A rookie season spent in the building and taking in meetings should only aid his progression entering his second season.

Out: Myles Hinton, Hollin Pierce, Willie Lampkin, Jake Majors, Jaedan Roberts, John Ojukwu

GETTY IMAGES: Jordan Davis, armed with an extension, is ready to see if he can improve even more on his breakout 2025 season.

Defense: 25

Defensive tackle (6): Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson, Uar Bernard

Carter is primed for a return to form after battling shoulder injuries last season. The two-time Pro Bowler and 2024 All-Pro defensive lineman is the defense’s centerpiece, an interior force who collapses pockets, levels quarterbacks and creates matchup advantages for teammates. Davis, whom the team rewarded with a three-year, $78 million extension in March, is a great story of devotion to one’s craft. The 2022 first-rounder rolled up nearly 300 more snaps (Davis is 2025 totaled a career-high 686 snaps) relative to the previous season and established career highs in sacks (4.5), tackles for loss (nine) and quarterback hits (six). In addition to evolving his game on the field, Davis has grown into an unquestioned leadership role off of it. The 6-foot-6, 336-pound Davis is a locker room pillar.

Ojomo, who enters the final year of his rookie deal, notched six sacks and 12 quarterback hits last season. Ojomo, 24, is an emerging talent and one of the more entertaining Eagles defenders to watch snap-to-snap. The fourth-year pro, who led all Eagles interior defensive lineman last season in snaps (740), wins with leverage, quickness and violence. The Eagles seem to value Young, who last season served as a trusted reserve, while Robinson will look to find his footing entering his second season. Robinson, the Eagles’ fourth-round pick last spring, appeared in 11 games as a rookie, recording 104 defensive snaps. This is an important summer for the 25-year-old, as he prepares to make the second-year leap. Back in 2018, the Eagles stashed Jordan Mailata on the backend of its 53-man roster with the understanding that his development would require time and patience, and right now, I see them abiding by the same school of thought with Bernard.

Out: Gabe Hall, Ta’Quon Graham

Edge rusher (5): Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie, Brandon Graham

Greenard is the ace headlining a deep room, while all indicators point to Hunt experiencing a breakthrough third season. The 25-year-old last season led his group in snaps (693) – and the defense is sacks (6.5), quarterback hits (24) and interceptions (3). He’s very much an arrow-up player. The Eagles, to no surprise, exercised Smith‘s fifth-year option, keeping the Georgia product in Philadelphia through the 2027 season. Pound-for-pound, Smith is one of the most physical edge rushers in football, throwing his body around and setting the edge with violence and authority.

Under Fangio, the Eagles have largely implemented a three-player rotation here, so the presumption is that Ebiketie functions in a Josh Uche-like role, at least to start. When it comes to Graham, who in nine games (119 snaps) proved effective in his 16th season, I believe he’ll ultimately return to the Eagles for one more season, providing depth off the edge and along the interior. Graham, 38, totaled three sacks and three quarterback hits last season in limited opportunities.

Keyshawn James-Newby – not 2021 first-rounder Tryon-Shoyinka – was the name I grappled with most. The well-traveled 2026 seventh-rounder profiles as more of an undersized speed rusher, but his quicknesss and athleticism could plausibly be viewed as an asset when it comes to special teams, in the same way as Patrick Johnson.

Out: Keyshawn James-Newby, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Jose Ramirez, Joshua Weru

Linebacker (4): Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr.

Baun responded in resounding fashion to his breakout 2024 campaign, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod and delivering 123 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a pair of interceptions. The 29-year-old is rightfully heralded as one of the game’s premier off-ball linebackers and last season was elected a team captain. Flanking Baun will be second-year linebacker Jihaad Campbell, the Eagles’ first-round pick in 2025. Campbell, who started 10 games as a rookie, replaces the cerebral Nakobe Dean, who departed in free agency. Campell provides the length, range and athleticism needed to thrive in space and boasts a skill set that complements Baun. His future forecast is extremely bright.

Trotter Jr., who’s probably a starter on teams with less of a logjam, gives the Eagles a dependable third option who doubles as a special teams stalwart. Mondon Jr., entering his second season, rounds out the group. The 2025 fifth-round pick last season accounted for the fifth-most third phase snaps.

GETTY IMAGES: The Eagles have two young All-Pro DBs in their secondary in Quinyon Mitchell (27) and Cooper DeJean.

Cornerback (6): Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Jonathan Jones, Kelee Ringo, Brandon Johnson

The room is fronted by 2025 All-Pros Mitchell and DeJean, while the rangy and uber-athletic Woolen comes over from the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks to partner with Mitchell on the outside. Should Woolen settle in and regain the consistency that fueled his rookie season to Pro Bowl status, it wouldn’t be hyperbole to suggest the contingent of Mitchell, DeJean and Woolen could make for the best cornerback trio in football.

Jones gives the team an experienced reserve option who can play multiple positions, while Ringo hangs on due to his special teams prowess. The 23-year-old is one of the NFL’s most productive, and recognized, gunners. The curveball to some would be my inclusion of Johnson, but you likely won’t need to squint to see the vision. Johnson, 23, spent most of last season on the Eagles’ practice squad, but was elevated for the final three regular season games. A nickelback by trade, Johnson cross-trained at safety during the season, giving the Eagles’ valued versatility. Johnson actually got the start at safety in the season finale, though an ankle injury precipitated an early exit. Fun fact: Johnson’s 28 defensive snaps equaled that of 2025 fifth-round rookie Mac McWilliams.

Jakorian Bennett could conceivably force his way into the picture with a consistent summer, though as a depth cornerback, special teams factors into the equation. For perspective, Bennett has logged just 85 third phase snaps over three seasons. Not always the determining factor, but something to file away. In this scenario, the expectation, barring a waiver claim, would be that McWilliams and/or Gushiken – the undrafted rookie is guaranteed a total of $272,500 – return on the Eagles’ practice squad.

Out: Jakorian Bennett, Mac McWilliams, Tariq Castro-Fields, Ambry Thomas, Kapena Gushiken

Safety (4): Drew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II, Cole Wisniewski

I suspect the team hasn’t put the finishing touches on this position group just yet. From my perspective, it’s tough to envision the Eagles carrying more than four safeties. My presumption, in the event of an external acquisition, would be that veteran Marcus Epps draws the shortest straw. The 30-year-old is a vested veteran and isn’t subject to waivers. Therefore, the team could always opt to sign Epps to the practice squad – where he began last season – to establish a built-in contingency plan.

J.T. Gray, a safety by trade who exclusively functions at an elite level on special teams, spent time of three separate practice squads last season. The Eagles also have other options on the roster to pair with Ringo at gunner. A name to keep an eye on? I’ll say third-year pro Andre’ Sam. The 27-year-old enters his third year in the system, spending a healthy portion of his first two seasons on the Eagles’ practice squad. It’s relevant to note Sam’s familiarity with newly minted defensive passing game coordinator Joe Kasper, who for the past two seasons served as the Eagles’ safeties coach.

Out: J.T. Gray, Andre’ Sam, Maximus Pulley

Specialists:

Kicker: Jake Elliott

The Eagles are banking on a bounce-back campaign from the veteran placekicker, whose field goal percentage last season (74.1) registered as the second-lowest output of his career. Elliott was 4-of-8 from 50-plus and converted 7-of-10 attempts of 40-49 yards.

Punter: Braden Mann

Mann, who last season averaged a career-high in punting average (49.9) and delivered in key spots, signed a four-year, $14 million contract extension with the team back in March. Mann should be universally viewed as one of the league’s top punters.

No Long Snapper?

Last summer, the Eagles elected to release veteran long snapper Charley Hughlett in their initial cutdown to 53 players. I have the team repeating history in this scenario in an effort to buy time as they (temporarily) lengthen the roster. This means I foresee a solution manifesting in the hours, or days, that follow, occurring via practice squad elevation or a signing ahead of the opener once a spot opens. At this time, the Eagles have only undrafted rookie Rocco Underwood at the position.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.