Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has played a pivotal role in creating the team’s current roster. Roseman has won over the hearts of many fans in Philadelphia due to his ability to learn and grow on the job.
Although he was once criticized for a few questionable draft picks, Roseman has redeemed himself in recent years. Philadelphia is considered a Super Bowl contender heading into next season, but how exactly was their current 89-player roster built?
How the Philadelphia Eagles Were Built Through the Draft
Thirty-five players on Philadelphia’s current roster were drafted by the Eagles. That group is headlined by some of the team’s foundational players, including starting quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Although Hurts was initially selected to be the backup quarterback behind Carson Wentz, he’s quickly become the face of the Eagles. Eight of Philadelphia’s projected starters on offense were drafted by the organization, including potential Hall of Famers like Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson.
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Philadelphia also drafted six of their projected starters for this upcoming season. While Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham are the most notable names of the bunch, they’re nearing the end of their careers. However, Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith will be foundational pieces for Philadelphia’s defense moving forward.
How the Eagles Were Built Through Free Agency/Waiver Signings
Fifty players on Philadelphia’s current roster were either signed as free agents or claimed on waivers. That group is headlined by pass rusher Haason Reddick, who could arguably be one of Roseman’s greatest signings of all time.
Six of Philadelphia’s projected starters were signed as free agents, including five on defense. James Bradberry was questionably released by the New York Giants last offseason, and the Eagles wisely signed him to a one-year deal. Now that Bradberry has re-signed with Philadelphia, it’s fair to consider him another home-run addition to be added to Roseman’s résumé.
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Philadelphia has also had some success developing undrafted free agents in recent years. Reed Blankenship, for instance, is projected to be a starting safety this upcoming season after going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft.
How the Philadelphia Eagles Were Built Through Trades
Four players on Philadelphia’s current roster were acquired through trades. A.J. Brown and Darius Slay are clearly foundational pieces for the Eagles. Roseman acquired each of them in deals that now look like robbery for Philadelphia. With that said, his trade for Josiah Scott hasn’t exactly worked out.
D’Andre Swift is Philadelphia’s latest addition through a trade after being acquired during the 2023 NFL Draft. Swift will likely compete for the RB1 job in training camp, and if he can stay healthy, should have a significant role in Philadelphia’s high-powered offense.