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Breaking down the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season

The Eagles have finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season. Here is the full roster, position-by-position analysis and notable cuts.

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The initial 53-man roster is done, and the excitement continues with waiver wires open at 6 p.m. with a 1 p.m. deadline Monday, so there could be more action and roster churn over the next 19 hours, including building a practice squad on Monday. 

For now, here is a complete position-by-position breakdown of the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster, along with the most notable players who did not make the cut.

Offense (27)

Quarterback (4)

Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee, and Cole Payton

The Eagles seem to be following the recent trend set by the Browns with keeping four QBs on their roster. I'm actually being a big sarcastic about that, but they will enter the season with four QBs, including rookie QB Cole Payton. That is subject to change of course.

Running Back (3) 

Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley

No major changes at the running back position for now. It will still be spearheaded by Saquon Barkley with Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley following him. The big surprise is the release of Carson Steele but with him being one of their first cuts, I wonder if they believe they can get him on their practice squad. 

Wide Receiver (6)

DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and Darius Cooper

This looks to be loaded group in comparison to how this unit looked in 2025. The Eagles are keeping six wide receivers on their roster in hopes of seeing the unique blend of talent explode on-field. 

Tight End (4)

Dallas Goedert, Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, E.J. Jenkins

Eli Stowers didn't have the greatest of summers but not all rookies hit the ground running. Meanwhile, Johnny Mundt seemed like a sure thing early on while E.J. Jenkins finally finds his way onto the roster for now. 

Offensive Line (10) 

Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Cam Jurgens, Fred Johnson, Markel Bell, Drew Kendall, Willie Lampkin, and Micah Morris

This has to be the deepest and most talented offensive line group that the Eagles have had in years. They are literally covered on every front with guys that are more than ready to step in when their names are called.

Defense (23) 

Defensive Tackle (5)

Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, and Byron Young

This group could be one of the most overlooked units in the league. After paying big money to keep Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter here for the long haul, I would fully expect a breakout season from Moro Ojomo. You also can't write off the redemption arc for Ty Robinson, who has now been "resurrected," as Vic Fangio once mentioned.

Edge Rusher (5)

Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith Jr., A.J. Epenesa, and Arnold Ebiketie

A strong blend of veterans with breakout talents on the horizon. The positive thing here is that the Eagles seem to be expecting an early return for Jonathan Greenard. Until then, the Eagles will rely on Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. to lead the way.

Linebacker (4)

 Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr.

This unit did not change one bit. The Eagles are going in with the same group that they started 2025 with minus Nakobe Dean. While Campbell and Baun are expected to dominate the snaps, I would definitely advise you to keep an eye on Jeremiah Trotter Jr. He could be on his way to a huge breakout year in 2026. 

Defensive Backs (9)

Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean, Mac McWilliams, Jonathan Jones, Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II and Kelee Ringo

A deep secondary will headline the Eagles defense this year.  The addition of the Riq Woolen has the Eagles looking forward to a true "No Fly Zone" against opposing offenses. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will lead the way while being surrounded by some great talent. 

Special Teams (3)

Jake Elliott, Rocco Underwood, and Braden Mann

Notable Players Headed to the Waiver Wire

Defense

EDGE Keyshawn James-Newby (2026 Draft Pick)

EDGE Tarron Jackson

iDL Zion Wilson

iDL Gabe Hall

OLB Jose Ramirez

LB Brandon George

S Jaylen Mahoney

S Maximus Pulley

S Cole Wisniewski (2026 Draft Pick)

CB Shaun Wade

CB Ambry Thomas

CB Tariq Castro-Fields

OLB Josh Weru

DT Uar Bernard

Offense

OL Myles Hinton

iOL Michael Jordan

RB Dameon Pierce

RB Carson Steele

RB Jordan Mims

TE Stone Smartt

WR Quez Watkins

WR Samori Toure

Placed on IR

CB Jakorian Bennett

TE Grant Calcaterra

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