Some Thoughts on the Eagles' Cuts and Initial 53-Man Roster

Here are the cuts made to the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster, which was submitted to the NFL at the 4 p.m. Tuesday deadline:

Released:

WR Deon Cain
T Le’Raven Clark
S Anthony Harris
TE Richard Rodgers
S Jaquiski Tartt
C Cameron Tom

Waived:

WR Devon Allen
C/G Jack Anderson
G/T Kayode Awosika
CB Josh Blackwell
RB Kennedy Brooks
S Andre Chachere
WR Britain Covey
LB Christian Elliss
CB Mario Goodrich
CB Tay Gowan
WR John Hightower
RB Jason Huntley
DE Matt Leo
CB Mac McCain
QB Reid Sinnett
LB JaCoby Stevens
QB Carson Strong
TE Noah Togiai
CB Kary Vincent
DT Marvin Wilson
DT Renell Wren

Waived/injured:

DT Kobe Smith

Placed on Reserve/Injured:

WR Greg Ward

They’ll make some more moves before September 11th, but in the meantime, thoughts:

Obviously Chauncey Gardner-Johnson’s addition was a big storyline. It was a bit of a shock to see that they ended up waiving both Anthony Harris and Jaquiski Tartt after bringing signing both to one-year deals this offseason. Marcus Epps has a lot on his shoulders at the safety position in the post-Rodney McLeod and post-Malcolm Jenkins era.
Some people thought Deon Cain or Devon Allen might slide in there as WR5, but instead Jalen Reagor is not traded and makes the team. There’s a chance they move him post-cutdown day, but the guy behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, and Zach Pascal isn’t gonna get many snaps anyway.
Keeping Andre Dillard is the right move. Offensive line is a strength and depth there is important.
Josh Jobe and Josiah Scott have an elbow and hamstring issue, respectively, and are candidates to begin the season on IR.
Britain Covey was a dark horse guy at one point in camp, but doesn’t make the team.
Huntley wasn’t going to make the squad, but the Eagles really could use a between-the-tackles/power back kind of guy. They look thin at RB with Miles Sanders currently on the shelf.
Davion Taylor and Shaun Bradley stick around and will be key special teamers.
Andre Chachere is a very good special teamer and might get some interest on the waiver wire.
K’Von Wallace was a bubble guy, but makes the team.
Odds are -500 that Richard Rodgers finds his way back to the 53-man at some point this year. Parlay him and Jordan Howard together.

There weren’t a ton of surprises. Probably the biggest shocker was the trade for CGJ and the corresponding moves with Tartt and Harris, but otherwise nobody was snubbed. No big releases. Roster spots 45-53 very rarely play significant roles during the regular season anyway, so we’re talking fringe contribution here.