The Philadelphia Eagles‘ initial 53-man roster is officially set. The work, however, is far from over.
Howie Roseman and the Eagles will likely make a few more moves in the coming days as several intriguing players were released or waived around the league during final cuts.
Let’s take a look at Philadelphia’s 53-man roster and highlight potential additions ahead of the regular season.
Who Made the Philadelphia Eagles’ 53-Man Roster?
Quarterback (3)
Starters: Jalen Hurts
Backups: Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee
No surprises here as Will Grier was obvious as a cut candidate. Jalen Hurts appears ready to return to MVP form thanks to the arrival of OC Kellen Moore. Kenny Pickett has a slight edge as QB2 ahead of Tanner McKee.
Running Back (3)
Starter: Saquon Barkley
Backups: Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley
Philadelphia’s backfield was revitalized this offseason thanks to the additions of Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley. While Kenneth Gainwell is still expected to be RB2 in Philadelphia, all three running backs should have a role in 2024.
Wide Receiver (5)
Starters: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson
Backups: Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey
Ainias Smith’s ankle injury suddenly made him an obvious IR candidate. Smith battled injuries throughout training camp and could now enjoy a redshirt rookie season in 2024, if necessary.
The Eagles still possess one of the best wide receiver trios in the NFL with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson. The Eagles could look to make an addition for veteran depth behind the team’s talented trio. More on that later.
Tight End (2)
Starter: Dallas Goedert
Backup: Grant Calcaterra
E.J. Jenkins impressed during training camp and preseason action, yet it wasn’t enough to make the final roster. While the Eagles would likely love to sign him to the team’s practice squad, he may not clear waivers.
Therefore, Philadelphia could shift its attention to a few intriguing veteran tight ends that were released on Tuesday. There are two players in particular that make a ton of sense for the Eagles.
Offensive Line (9)
Starters: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson
Backups: Fred Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Tyler Steen, Darian Kinnard
The biggest surprises here are Brett Toth and Dylan McMahon failing to make the final roster. While Toth didn’t personally impress me during preseason action, it felt like the Eagles valued his versatility.
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McMahon flashed his potential at center during preseason action, yet it wasn’t enough to fill a final roster spot. Currently, the Eagles are heading into Week 1 without a clear backup center on the roster.
Signing Toth or Nick Gates to the team’s practice squad to fill that void could make sense.
Defensive Tackle (6)
Starters: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams
Backups: Moro Ojomo, Marlon Tuipulotu, Thomas Booker IV
The Eagles went a bit heavier along the defensive line than expected by some, no pun intended, as both Marlon Tuipulotu and Thomas Booker IV made the final cut.
It’ll be interesting to see how the rotation DC Vic Fangio uses on Philadelphia’s defensive front in 2024.
EDGE (6)
Starters: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat
Backups: Nolan Smith Jr., Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson
No surprises here as Philadelphia’s EDGE group has been pretty predictable since preseason started. Patrick Johnson showcased his pass-rushing ability during preseason action and will continue to be a core player on special teams.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Devin White, Zack Baun
Backups: Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren
Oren Burks made a late push for a final roster spot, but it wasn’t enough to survive the final cuts. The Eagles could opt to sign Burks to the team’s practice squad, as he would provide linebacker depth with starting experience.
The top four LBs were obvious choices, while Ben VanSumeren earned a final roster spot due to his impressive play during the preseason. “BVS” is an athletic freak worth developing in Philadelphia.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Darius Slay Jr., Isaiah Rodgers Sr., Quinyon Mitchell
Backups: Kelee Ringo, Cooper DeJean, Eli Ricks
Many believed Eli Ricks could be a roster casualty due to Philadelphia’s improved depth at cornerback, but he survived the initial cuts as the Eagles will continue to develop him.
Josh Jobe was a core special teams player for the Eagles in recent years, yet he didn’t show enough at CB to stick around. Philadelphia’s cornerback room is drastically improved in 2024.
Safety (5)
Starters: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship
Backups: Avonte Maddox, James Bradberry, Tristin McCollum
Philadelphia’s safety group is exactly what I predicted in my final roster projection. Many believed James Bradberry wouldn’t make the cut, but the team’s financial commitment to him likely kept him around in 2024.
Similar to VanSumeren, Tristin McCollum earned a roster spot with his strong play during preseason action. McCollum is an ascending player who could see the field in 2024 given Philadelphia’s injury-prone safety group.
Specialist (3)
Kicker: Jake Elliott
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Rick Lovato
No surprises here. Jake Elliott is regarded as one of the best kickers in the NFL. Rick Lovato is the steadying force in the middle of Philadelphia’s special teams unit. Braden Mann, meanwhile, signed a two-year contract extension this offseason, providing much-needed consistency at punter.
PUP/IR (3)
PUP: Sydney Brown
IR: Ainias Smith, Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.
Once Smith’s injury was reported, he was an obvious IR candidate. Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. was also placed on IR, as the Eagles refused to give up on his upside just yet. Given Philadelphia’s lack of depth at TE, maybe “Albert O” will make a return to the 53-man roster once he’s healthy.
5 Potential Free Agent Targets for the Eagles
WR Noah Brown
Noah Brown spent four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys while Kellen Moore was the team’s offensive coordinator. While Brown will likely have bigger opportunities elsewhere, he could be intrigued by a reunion with Moore in Philadelphia considering the lack of proven depth behind the team’s dynamic trio.
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Brown has showcased his ability to step up in recent seasons when other WRs went down due to injury, and the Eagles would be wise to target him ahead of Week 1.
TE Jack Stoll
Jack Stoll is a familiar face who spent the first three seasons of his NFL career in Philadelphia. Given that the Eagles only have two TEs on the current roster, Stoll would provide a steadying presence at the position.
The only concern with Stoll is his limited ability as a pass catcher. While there is no denying his blocking ability, it might not be enough to warrant a reunion in 2024.
TE Donald Parham Jr.
While Stoll offers upside as a blocker, the Eagles could be more intrigued by the receiving potential of Donald Parham Jr. In 2023, Parham enjoyed the best season of his NFL career with Moore as offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Parham would provide the Eagles with another big-bodied target in the red zone for Hurts. He is also familiar with Moore’s scheme, which is important with Week 1 quickly approaching.
DL Siaki Ika
Despite keeping six defensive linemen, the Eagles don’t have a traditional nose tackle behind Jordan Davis. Therefore, the Eagles could be interested in former third-round pick Siaki Ika.
Although Ika failed to impress with the Cleveland Browns, Roseman has never been afraid to give highly drafted players a second chance. Ika could fill a hole at nose tackle behind Davis in 2024.
S Lewis Cine
Lewis Cine spent time at Georgia with all of the former Bulldogs in Philadelphia. While he has struggled to stay healthy in the NFL, Cine fits the bill as a former high draft pick that Roseman could be intrigued by.
Although there are already plenty of players with injury concerns in Philadelphia’s safety room, Cine is still just 24 years old. The Eagles could take a chance on his upside and reunite him with his former college teammates.