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Though the Philadelphia Eagles still technically have one more preseason game to play on Friday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Howie Roseman and his fellow front office members are hard at work in South Philly trying to decide how to proceed with all 91 members of their preseason roster heading into September.
For some players, their 53-man roster spots are more or less set, as the Eagles probably have about 48 players who can sleep easy on Saturday knowing where they will be reporting for work on Monday, but for the other 43 players? Well, they could be traded, released, or even stashed on the practice squad, assuming they aren't claimed off waivers, creating a sort of football musical chairs that adds drama to the end of the month.
On paper, those last few roster spots could ultimately be decided against the Bengals on Friday, as no one expected a player like Carson Steele to be in play for a spot on the 53 before his efforts against the New England Patriots, but for now, which players look like they have an inside track to make the roster and which will be on the phone with their agent looking for the next steps on Sunday? At some positions, things have a chance to get pretty interesting.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton (14), quarterback Cole Payton (10), and quarterback Tanner McKee (16) huddle before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton (14), quarterback Cole Payton (10), and quarterback Tanner McKee (16) huddle before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Quarterback – Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Cole Payton
For seemingly the entire summer, the Eagles have been trying to make Andy Dalton work as their backup quarterback, but unfortunately, it just hasn't happened.
Initially acquired for a seventh-round pick earlier in 2026, Dalton looked like the kind of veteran who could hold things down behind Jalen Hurts if something went bad while Parks Frazier developed Cole Payton as a long-term backup on a rookie contract. Instead, the Eagles might just have to bite the bullet and keep Tanner McKee instead of trading him for a 2027 draft pick, allowing his value to become what it is over the course of his rookie contract's final season and scoop up a pick in 2028. Why? Because at this point, Dalton simply can't be trusted to do anything but lose as a QB2, and Payton has more long-term upside.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Cole Payton (10) hands the ball off to running back Carson Steele (34) during training camp at Gillette Stadium.
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Running Back – Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, Carson Steele
Speaking of Carson Steele, he really isn't competing for a roster spot against players like Dameon Pierce but instead utility options like fullback Cameron Lomu, tight end Grant Calcaterra, and wide receiver Elijah Moore, who all may have to make their money on special teams due to limited opportunities on offense.
Of that quartert, Steele might just be the most intriguing, as he did a little bit of everything against the Patriots in Preseason Week 2 and has even more upside to contribute as a gunner, on kickoff units, and even as an offensive weapon, where he could serve as depth at running back, fullback, and even wide receiver due to athleticism that earned him a spot on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List.
Could the Eagles opt to keep three running backs and hope that Steele ends up on the practice squad? Sure, but consider the (lack of) external demand for those other three players on the open market, stashing Steele makes the most sense.
Jun 9, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper (80) in action during minicamp at Jefferson Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper (80) in action during minicamp at Jefferson Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wide Receiver – DeVonta Smith, Deontavyon Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper
If Steele makes the 53-man roster, then this decision is one of the easiest the Eagles will have to make heading into the fall.
When Johnny Wilson was still a member of the 91-man roster, this was a little more dramatic, as he did play at a high level at times in 2024, but after being waived with an injury settlement and reverting to season-ending IR, keeping DeVonta Smith, Deontavyon Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Darius Cooper feels like the play for the Eagles at wide receiver, with Moore and Quez Watkins options to sign with the practice squad.
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Eli Stowers (87) runs drills during rookie minicamp at NovaCare Complex.
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Tight End – Dallas Goedert, Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt
When the Eagles drafted Eli Stowers in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, he looked like the future of the position in Philadelphia, but now he looks “unplayable,” according to The Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski?
While Stowers has suddenly become the top player for fans to watch in the preseason finale to see if such a major assertion is correct, his spot on the 53-man roster is 100 percent secure, as are those of Dallas Goedert and Johnny Mundt, the blocking specialist Howie Roseman added in free agency.
Speaking of free agency, if March is of any indication, there likely won't be a massive market for Calcaterra or Latu to sign elsewhere after Sunday, so the Eagles could sign one or both of them to their practice squad for the first month or so of the 2026 season, giving them full-time contracts when spots on the 53-man roster open up for one reason or another and still elevating at least one for game days in September.
Philadelphia Eagles center Willie Lampkin (61) and guard Micah Morris (76) drill during minicamp at Jefferson Health Training Complex.
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Offensive Line – Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Micah Morris, Willie Lampkin, Drew Kendall, Markel Bell
Another relatively low-drama position grouping.
After beginning the summer as a longshot to stick around, Willie Lampkin has basically locked up a spot on the 53-man roster as a reserve guard/center alongside Drew Kendall, with the potential to even contribute on special teams if need be. Micah Morris gets the final spot because he was drafted this year, even if he didn't exactly dazzle over the summer, and players like Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams will hope to keep developing on the practice squad, or look for new homes elsewhere.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson (95) in action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field.
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Defensive Line – Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, Byron Young, Uar Bernard
With the top-5 players on the defensive line more or less locked up, the only real battle on the defensive line is between Gabe Hill, a feel-good story in 2025 who can contribute right now, and Uar Bernard, the team's 2026 seventh-round pick who has Jordan Mailata upside if he can put it all together.
Fortunately, the Eagles can keep an extra international player on their practice squad like with Matt Leo a few years ago, but unfortunately, if Philadelphia subjects Bernard to waivers, he will likely get claimed, resulting in a likely main roster stash in 2026 as Hall begins the year on the practice squad.
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) celebrates an interception during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) celebrates an interception during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Edge – Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, AJ Epenesa, Arnold Ebiketie, Joshua Weru
Moving over to edge, the Eagles have five locks as well in Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, AJ Epenesa, and Arnold Ebiketie, but will likely keep six, with another international player, Joshua Weru, competing for a spot with the likes of Keyshawn James-Newby and Tarron Jackson.
Is Weru ready for action? Unlikely, but he has put up numbers in the preseason and looks like he could be closer to action than Bernard from a player development standpoint. If Greenard ends up on PUP and there's an extra spot on the 53-man roster, Weru should be a lock, but even if there isn't, keeping him on the main roster while signing someone like Jackson to the practice squad feels like the play.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30) and linebacker Zack Baun (53) react after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30) and linebacker Zack Baun (53) react after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker – Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., Chance Campbell
When it comes to Eagles 53-man roster predictions, Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., and Chance Campbell are all more or less locks to make the roster, and for good reason.
Baun, Campbell, and Trotter all look like they can start right now, which is great for the present and the future. And behind them? Mondon Jr. and Campbell look like they can be certified contributors on special teams, making this fearsome fivesome a formidable unit with someone like Deontae Lawson on the practice squad.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (27) performs a practice drill with defensive back Cooper DeJean (33) at NovaCare Complex.
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Cornerback – Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Mac McWilliams, Jonathan Jones
The biggest question the Eagles have at cornerback is whether to call Cooper DeJean and Michael Carter II CBs or safeties, considering both are expected to fill hybrid roles deployed deep and in the slot at the back of Fangio's defense.
With Mitchell, DeJean, and Woolen all locks to play big snaps for the Eagles this fall, the biggest battle at cornerback comes down to Jonathan Jones versus Kelee Ringo for the top outside cornerback spot. Because DeJean can play on the outside as well as at safety and the slot, keeping a veteran hybrid like Jones is probably the play over Ringo Year 4, as is holding onto Mac McWilliams as a backup slot guy.
Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (29) during minicamp at Jefferson Health Training Complex.
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Safety – Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II
If the Eagles had a fourth safety worthy of a 53-man roster spot, they would probably keep four. However, because Andre' Sam can probably hide on the practice squad, the Eagles would likely be fine just keeping MCII, Marcus Epps, and Andrew Mukuba on their initial roster.
When the final preseason game of the summer hits the books, however, Roseman would be wise to start working the phones to see if he can ship a player like Dalton or Ringo to another team for a quality veteran safety, as they really do need one more player in the building one way or another.
Philadelphia Eagles place kicker Jake Elliott (4) gets set to kick a field goal against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field.
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Special teams – Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Rocco Underwood
And last but not least, the Eagles only have one kicker, punter, and long snapper on their roster, so Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, and Rocco Underwood will all be on the 53-man roster barring injury, even if many a fan had hoped that Roseman would bring in competition for Elliott after a rough go of things in 2025.