The 2026 Philadelphia Eagles head into training camp with a new offensive scheme, a new WR1 (and two), and plenty of new faces. The defense has retooled with a new edge rusher and playmaking cornerback.
This is a way-too-early look at a 53-man roster projection, with some insights into the thinking that could be taking place as they move into the new year.
Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, and Cole Payton
I still don't believe that Howie will keep four QBS on the roster, despite Roseman suggesting he would.
Dalton has been QB2 during almost every OTA and mandatory camp, which seems to be telling.
McKee could be on his way to a new city prior to week one.
Moving on- Tanner McKee
Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley
Shipley versus Pearce could come down to the final pre-season game. Howie and the front office brought Dameon in for a reason, which will force Shipley to fight for his spot for the first time in his young career.
Moving on- Carson Steel and Dameon Pearce
DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper, and Johnny Wilson
The Birds have a lot of pass catchers in camp; it was hard to narrow it down to six. I haven't seen enough of Elijah Moore to include him on the 53.
Moving on- Elijah Moore, Britain Covey, Danny Gray, and Quez Watkins
Dallas Goedert, Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, Dae’Quan Wright
Goedert, Mundt, and Stowers are making the team. I am taking Wright to be the field for TE4. His upside is greater than the others, in my opinion.
Moving on- Grant Calcaterra, Cameron Latu, E.J. Jenkins, and Stone Smartt
Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Markel Bell, and Cameron Williams
High-end starters, top-tier versatile backup, and two high-end developmental tackles. This seems pretty set.
Moving on- Hollin Pierce, Myles Hinton, and John Ojukwu
Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Drew Kendall, Micah Morris, and Michael Jordan
With the injuries to Landon and Cam in 2025, I went with more bodies at iOL for the initial 53. Kendall as the backup center, Micah as developmental guard, and recently signed Michael Jordan as the wily veteran to give them some depth.
Moving on- Willie Lampkin (IR?) Jake Majors and Jaeden Roberts (hopefully to the practice squad)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Uar Bernard, and Ty Robinson
If Brandon Graham returns, he could do so after camp; if so, that would open another spot on their initial 53, which I am taking advantage of.
Moving on- Branon Graham, Byron Young, and Gabe Hall
Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith Jr., Arnold Ebiketie, & A.J. Epenesa
Jalyx is a budding star; Nolan, if healthy, can be as well, and the Greenard trade gives them a player who will be with the team all year, unlike the one he replaced, Jaelen Phillips. Ebiketie could be the rotational player they hoped Azeez would be in 2025, and A.J. Epenesa is a reliable run-stuffer with pass-rushing juice.
Moving on- Jose Ramirez, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Ta’Quon Graham, and Keyshawn James-Newby, Josh Weru (who could be IPP, IR, or PS candidate)
Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., and Deontae Lawson
Last season was the deepest LB room the Eagles had in over a decade; the 2026 version could be even deeper.
Lawson is a wild card, and if they keep only four, Deontae and Mondon could be in quite a fight all of August.
Moving on- Chance Campbell (Chandler Martin and Isiah King were waived for DE A.J. Epenesa and G Michael Jordan)
Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean, Jonathan Jones, Kelee Ringo
The Eagles' ‘No Fly Zone’ begins with Q, Coop, and Riq, but there is very little depth behind them to sustain them if they encounter injuries. Jonathan Jones is the elder statesman in the room who is versatile and able to play inside or out, and Kelee Ringo probably gets the last spot due to his special teams prowess.
This is a position I could see them adding another body to if anyone cuts a functional CB. Releasing Mac was the toughest choice here; he could make major strides from year one to year two.
Moving on, Mac McWilliams, Jakorian Bennett, Ambry Thomas, Tariq Castro-Fields, and Kapena Gushiken
Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II, and Cole Wisniewski
Another position that seems unlikely to satisfy Howie. I would expect another addition who will push Epps as the starter opposite Mukuba.
Moving on- Andre’ Sam, J.T. Gray, Brandon Johnson, Tucker Large, and Maximus Pulley
Jake Elliott and Braden Mann
Eilliot is hard to move on from due to his contract extension; Mann is a field-flipper on a new deal.
Long snapper Rocco Underwood is a player they may be able to re-sign after cuts. He currently has no competition, but it would be surprising if they do not bring someone in to compete with him this summer.
I do not expect the initial 53 to be any indication of what the week-one 53 would be, but there are a lot of players, especially on offense, who are difficult to project as cuts as of June 11th.
Training camp is going to be one of the more competitive we have seen during Sirianni’s tenure.
Who did I cut that you would have kept?
As always, thank you for reading!
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