The Philadelphia Eagles released their initial 53-man roster on cutdown day, with the understanding that they’ll fill the practice squad by midweek and could promote players ahead of the season opener. The exercise underscored the trauma points of August while keeping the door open for tweaks via waivers and practice-squad elevations in the days to come. It also leaves Howie Roseman with one last chance to frame how the 91-player roster was distilled to 53 before Week 1.
QB depth stands out more than ever
The Eagles enter 2025 with a clearer sense of quarterback depth after acquiring Sam Howell as their QB3. The path to Howell came through a package that also netted the team a sixth-round pick, a trade that included Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Jihaad Campbell, with the Browns receiving a 2026 fifth-rounder in a separate deal after moving Kenny Pickett to the Raiders. The team can learn from earlier decisions about rookie Kyle McCord, who did not make the final roster but could land on the practice squad if he clears waivers. Howell’s presence gives the Eagles a more secure contingency, and coach Nick Sirianni noted that Howell impressed with prior film and in evaluation, while Roseman indicated the team would have pursued Howell regardless of McKee’s status.
Roseman won’t declare the job done
Cutdown day is when Roseman hands over the keys to Nick Sirianni, but he stressed that the process isn’t finished. He signaled openness to future moves in the next 24 hours and beyond, highlighting that the Eagles will continue to use their draft capital and depth to address needs. With roughly a dozen draft picks projected for next spring, Roseman implied that in-season moves remain on the table, should injuries or performance dictate actions, particularly at edge rusher or in the secondary.
Cooper DeJean is viewed as a potential cornerstone
The organization’s discussion of cornerback depth was notable, especially with Cooper DeJean cited as a player who could contribute at nickel and potentially outside in base packages. DeJean’s versatility—paired with the team’s other options at corner—has led Roseman to describe the position as a “strength in numbers.” The Eagles still face questions at CB2, with Darius Slay no longer on the roster and a rotation of younger players in the mix, including Kelee Ringo, Adoree’ Jackson, Jakorian Bennett, and DeJean. The club’s approach suggests a belief that a group of capable, versatile corners can compensate for a lack of a single standout starter.
Bolstering the line: Johnson back, depth prioritized
Offensive line depth was clearly a priority, culminating in the return of Fred Johnson, who re-signed after a stint with the Jaguars. Johnson adds experience at tackle and versatility for backup roles, complementing Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. The team previously valued Johnson as a swing tackle and noted that injuries can force multiple bodies into action over a lengthy season. Roseman explained that Johnson’s return aligns with the desire to maintain a robust reserve at a critical position, especially given the challenges of protecting a franchise quarterback.
Darius Cooper earns his spot, not just a story
Undrafted Tarleton State receiver Darius Cooper earned a roster spot over pedigree players, underscoring the Eagles’ willingness to reward performance over draft status. Sirianni praised Cooper’s body control, play strength, and hands, noting his development and toughness. Cooper’s rise is a reminder that the Eagles remain committed to finding contributors outside the traditional pipeline and leveraging coaching and scouting to identify hidden value. His ascent also reflects the broader strategy of building a receiver room capable of sustaining production across the season.
Projected depth chart highlights
There are still moves to be made, including the potential signing of long snapper Charley Hughlett to the practice squad and elevating him for game day. The roster as projected includes substantial depth across offense and defense, with a mix of veterans and promising young players. Notable positions and prospects include:
Offense
– QB: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Sam Howell
– RB: Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, A.J. Dillon
– FB: Ben VanSumeren
– WR: A.J. Brown, Darius Cooper, DeVonta Smith, John Metchie, Jahan Dotson
– TE: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcattera, Kyle Granson
– LT: Jordan Mailata, Fred Johnson
– LG: Landon Dickerson, Brett Toth, Trevor Keegan
– C: Cam Jurgens, Drew Kendall, Brett Toth
– RG: Tyler Steen, Matt Pryor
– RT: Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Cameron Williams
Defense
– Edge rusher: Nolan Smith, Josh Uche
– DT: Jalen Carter, Ty Robinson
– NT: Jordan Davis, Byron Young
– DT: Moro Ojomo, Gabe Hall
– Edge rusher: Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Ogbinna Okoronkwo
– LB: Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
– LB: Jihaad Campbell, Smael Mondon
– CB: Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo
– CB: Adoree’ Jackson (or) Jakorian Bennett
– Slot: Cooper DeJean, Mac McWilliams
– S: Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum
– S: Sydney Brown (or) Drew Mukuba
Transactions in brief
Released
– Charley Hughlett (long snapper)
– Patrick Johnson (OLB)
– Kendall Lamm (OT/LG)
– Terrace Marshall (WR)
– Parry Nickerson (CB)
– Avery Williams (WR)
Waived
– Ife Adeyi (WR)
– Chance Campbell (LB)
– Tariq Castro-Fields (CB) (injured)
– Elijah Cooks (WR)
– Lance Dixon (LB)
– Joe Evans (DT)
– Dallas Gant (LB)
– Kenyon Green (G)
– Maxen Hook (S)
– E.J. Jenkins (TE)
– Brandon Johnson (CB)
– Montrell Johnson (RB)
– Cameron Latu (TE)
– Ochaun Mathis (OLB)
– Kyle McCord (QB)
– Taylor Morin (WR)
– Nick Muse (TE)
– Hollin Pierce (T)
– ShunDerrick Powell (RB)
– Antwaun Powell-Ryland (LB)
– Eli Ricks (CB)
– Jereme Robinson (DE)
– Keilan Robinson (RB)
– Justin Rogers (DT)
– Andre Sam (S)
– Ainias Smith (WR)
– Jacob Sykes (DT)
– Laekin Vakalahi (T)
– A.J. Woods (CB)
PUP list
– Nakobe Dean (LB)
IR with designation to return
– Myles Hinton (T)
Bottom line and outlook
The Eagles’ opening 53 shows a roster built for depth and flexibility rather than a single clearly dominant unit. The Howell addition at QB3 gives some insurance without compromising the ongoing development of Tanner McKee, and the front office’s willingness to prioritize offensive line depth signals a season-long focus on protecting the quarterback. DeJean’s rise and the emphasis on a “strength in numbers” philosophy at cornerback suggest Philadelphia intends to rely on a versatile, multi-faceted secondary rather than a single shutdown corner to anchor the unit. The Darius Cooper story reinforces the organization’s track record of uncovering value beyond draft pedigree.
A hopeful takeaway is that Philadelphia has a clear, practical plan for week-to-week adjustments, with the capability to lean into roster versatility as needs emerge. If those plans pay off, the team could emerge from a potentially crowded September with a stabilized lineup and an adaptable approach that keeps them competitive as the season unfolds.