Eagles 53-man roster projection: Philly cuts bait with two recent trade acquisitions

The Eagles added eight new players to their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft. From now until the start of the season, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman could make a few free-agent signings or pull off a few trades to strengthen the depth and talent of certain position groups, but the roster is pretty much set for the most part. In the aftermath of the draft, we’ve made a way-too-early Eagles 53-man roster projection.

This projection includes the Eagles’ draft picks, but not the reported undrafted free agent signings that are still unofficial. QUARTERBACK Retained: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Cole Payton (rookie) Cut: Andy Dalton Analysis: The Eagles won’t put Payton on waivers if he plays well during the preseason. They could waive Dalton and bring him back on the practice squad as the fourth quarterback.

RUNNING BACK Retained: Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley Cut: Dameon Pierce, Carson Steele Analysis: If the Eagles had more depth and talent at running back, Shipley could be in trouble. He hasn’t shown much in his first two seasons with the team. WIDE RECEIVER Retained: DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon (rookie), Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper, Johnny Wilson Cut: A.

J. Brown (trade), Britian Covey, Danny Gray, Elijah Moore, Quez Watkins, Analysis: We’re assuming Brown won’t be on the team next season. ESPN reported last week that the Patriots are expected to acquire Brown on or after June 1.