Eagles’ Roster Cuts: The Journey to 53 and Beyond
When NFL preseason winds down, the real chess match begins—roster cuts. Every year, teams across the league start trimming from a bloated 90-man offseason squad down to the coveted 53-man roster. For the Philadelphia Eagles and 31 other franchises, that transition is a brutal but fascinating process. It’s the part of football fans don’t always see—the business side, the emotional goodbyes, and the behind-the-scenes scramble to shape a winning team.
And for the Eagles, this year’s cuts are anything but ordinary. With some surprise waivers, intriguing trades, and even an exciting new acquisition, Philadelphia is making plenty of noise as the countdown to the regular season ticks away.
The Harsh Reality of Cut Season
One of the toughest things about preseason football is knowing that nearly half of the guys suiting up won’t make the final roster. Coaches and front offices have to make gut-wrenching decisions, often cutting players who just a year earlier were hyped as potential breakout stars.
For the Eagles, Sunday marked the beginning of that harsh reality. By Tuesday’s deadline, they’ll need to be down to 53. Until then, it’s a revolving door of waivers, trades, and late-night phone calls that leave players wondering if their NFL dream will survive another week.
A Loaded Offense Gets Even Better
The Eagles’ offense was already stacked heading into camp, but then Howie Roseman, in classic fashion, went out and added another weapon. Philadelphia acquired wideout John Metchie from the Houston Texans in exchange for draft picks. For a roster that didn’t have much room left for offensive reinforcements, this was a statement move.
Metchie’s presence gives Jalen Hurts yet another playmaker to work with. His quick route-running and ability to stretch defenses vertically should fit right into Philly’s already explosive scheme. The fact that Roseman pulled this off while managing roster cuts? That’s the type of juggling act that makes him one of the most respected GMs in football.
Jihaad Campbell’s First Taste of NFL Action
While cuts dominate the headlines, some players are still fighting to make an impression. One of the most exciting storylines from the Eagles’ preseason finale was Jihaad Campbell. Making his debut on defense, Campbell flashed serious potential.
What stood out wasn’t just one aspect of his game—it was his versatility. Whether it was shedding blocks, dropping into coverage, or chasing down the quarterback, Campbell was everywhere. For a team that values flexibility in its defenders, his skill set could end up being the difference between making the roster or waiting for a practice squad invite.
Waivers Begin: Lewis Cine’s Eagles Stint Ends Early
11:15 AM Sunday marked the first major move. Philadelphia waived safety Lewis Cine, the former Georgia standout who came in with high expectations. Unfortunately, injuries kept him from fully showing what he could do, and the Eagles designated him as waived/injured.
It’s a tough blow for Cine, who just a couple of years ago was a first-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings. Injuries have been his biggest hurdle, and while the Eagles gave him a shot, the numbers game caught up. Cine’s NFL journey isn’t over, but his time in Philly looks to be short-lived.
DTR’s Short Stay Comes to a Close
By the afternoon, another move grabbed attention. At 4:15 PM, the Eagles announced they were parting ways with quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Fans who followed preseason closely probably saw this one coming.
DTR had flashed some nice moments in practice, but after the Eagles traded for Sam Howell earlier, the writing was on the wall. His preseason outing against the Cleveland Browns didn’t help either—he struggled to find rhythm, and the lack of playing time against the Jets in the finale sealed his fate.
That doesn’t mean his future is bleak. Plenty of QB-needy teams could take a flyer on Thompson-Robinson. He’s still young, athletic, and has shown flashes of upside. But in Philly? The depth chart just got too crowded.
The First Big Trade: Darian Kinnard Heads to Green Bay
The real curveball of Sunday came later in the evening. At 8:45 PM, Philadelphia swung a trade with the Green Bay Packers, sending offensive lineman Darian Kinnard out of the NovaCare Complex. In return, the Eagles picked up a 2027 seventh-round pick.
On the surface, it might not look like much, but here’s the thing: Howie Roseman never lets assets walk out the door for free. Kinnard wasn’t going to make the final roster, but instead of cutting him, the Eagles managed to flip him for draft capital. Even a late-rounder can eventually turn into a hidden gem, and Roseman has a history of finding value where others overlook it.
Practice Squad Watch
Once the 53-man roster is locked in, the next step is piecing together a competitive practice squad. This is where things get interesting because some players who don’t make the roster will still stick around and continue developing. It’s also where Philly has historically found diamonds in the rough.
Fans should keep an eye on names like Cine and Thompson-Robinson—guys who may not crack the final 53 but could be stashed for depth or insurance. Jihaad Campbell’s performance also makes him a strong candidate if he doesn’t make the cut.
Key Takeaways for Eagles Fans
Here’s what stands out most as the Eagles head toward Tuesday’s deadline:
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Metchie’s Arrival: The offense somehow got even more dangerous.
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Campbell’s Versatility: A defensive wild card who could earn a roster spot.
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Waiver Surprises: Cine and Thompson-Robinson are gone, at least for now.
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Roseman’s Moves: Even in cut season, he finds ways to add value.
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Practice Squad Potential: Don’t sleep on the next wave of Eagles contributors.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles’ roster dance isn’t done yet. By Tuesday, there will be plenty more moves, more surprises, and likely another trade or two. That’s how this front office operates—they don’t just cut players; they maximize value every step of the way.
For the guys who survive? They’ll take the field as part of one of the most talented rosters in football, chasing another deep playoff run. For those who don’t? It’s back to the grind—hoping for another shot, whether in Philly or somewhere else in the NFL.
Roster cut season might look like cold business from the outside, but it’s also the lifeblood of what makes Sundays in the fall so thrilling. The Eagles are proving once again that even the smallest moves can set the stage for big-time success down the line.
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