Final (Not Really) Cutdown

The Philadelphia Eagles have settled into their initial 53-man roster, going heavy on corners and interior defensive linemen while going light on receivers and inside linebackers.

Of course, the key word here is “initial.” Plenty of moves moves are on the way over the next few days, including signing a punter as the Eagles are currently without one following the release of Arryn Siposs.

The Eagles announced the release of the following players:

• WR Devon Allen
• LB Quinton Bell
• QB Ian Book
• RB Kennedy Brooks
• DT Robert Cooper
• WR Britain Covey
• CB Mekhi Garner
• G Julian Good-Jones
• WR Jadon Haselwood
• DE Tarron Jackson
• TE Tyree Jackson
• LB Kyron Johnson
• WR Johnny King
• LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams
• S Tristin McCollum
• LB Nicholas Morrow
• WR Joseph Ngata
• DE Janarius Robinson
• G Tyrese Robinson
• TE Brady Russell
• DT Olive Sagapolu
• DT Caleb Sanders
• CB Josiah Scott
• G Josh Sills
• P Arryn Siposs
• WR Freddie Swain
• LB Ben VanSumeren
• S K’Von Wallace
• WR Greg Ward
• DT Marvin Wilson

Waived/injured the following player:

• RB Trey Sermon

In a very welcome turn of events from previous years, the Birds find themselves with one of the deepest cornerback rooms in the league, being able to keep seven on the active roster (with the suspended Isaiah Rodgers waiting in the wings for next season). The undrafted standouts Eli Ricks and Mario Goodrich both had strong camps and preseason performances to the point where Howie Roseman could not feel comfortable letting either of them on the waiver wire. They join All-Pros Darius Slay and James Bradberry as well as Avonte Maddox, Josh Jobe, and 2023 fourth round pick Kelee Ringo.

The Eagles will roll with seven defensive tackles as well. Kentavius Street, Moro Ojomo, and Marlon Tuipuloto all impressed throughout camp and can serve as reliable backups for starters Jordan Davis, Fletcher Cox, and Jalen Carter as well as key reserve Milton Williams.

Undoubtedly the lightest rooms on the roster though, is inside linebacker where only Nakobe Dean, Zach Cunningham, and Christian Elliss made the team. Nic Morrow was cut with no guaranteed money on his contract despite entering camp as the heavy favorite to start. Undrafted LB Ben VanSumeren did not make the roster as well despite impressive numbers in the preseason and special teams ability.

In return for going heavy on multiple defensive positions, Philadelphia elected to have only four wideouts currently on the active roster, despite many trying to make a name for themselves as a fifth receiver during training camp. Britain Covey could not stand out beyond the return game and may find himself in a similar situation as last year: initially on the practice squad but called up for games as a kick returner before his elevations run out.

Tyrie Cleveland may very well have been the fifth guy, but an unfortunate injury during the preseason put an end to his year. Cleveland was released from injured reserve with a settlement while Trey Sermon will head to the team’s IR if not claimed off waivers.

One of the biggest surprises is the four tight ends currently on the roster. When Arnold and Jackson were released, it was expected that the Eagles would roll with three with Calcaterra seemingly winning the third-string job. However, a last-minute trade for Albert Okwuegbunam raises the number for now.

On the offensive line, Sua Opeta will be the team’s ninth lineman, beating out Josh Sills as expected. The question still remains on who would step in at center if Jason Kelce had to exit a game.

Others from the 2022 roster who were cut include K’Von Wallace, Tarron Jackson, and Kyron Johnson.

While the “deadline” has passed, the 53-man roster at the moment is anything but set and many released today will find themselves back on the Birds’ practice squad with a chance to be elevated.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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