The 2026 Philadelphia Eagles head into the summer with many new faces and a new offensive outlook. There have been significant changes to the scheme, and there could be in the wide receiver and tight end rooms as well.
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
It would be a surprise for the Eagles to carry 4 quarterbacks despite Howie Roseman stating otherwise.
Andy Dalton is the QB in the room with experience, ala Josh McCown in 2019, and the new developmental arm is Cole Payton. McKee could be on the team, but it would seem likely that if a QB-needy team comes calling with a fair offer this summer, he will be gone.
Moving on- Tanner McKee
Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Dameon Pierce
Saquon and Tank will get the Lion's share, and Tank should get more than he has thus far, but RB3 likely comes down to the last pre-season game. I am going with either Pierce to be hungry and win the final spot. I would love to see Steele find a niche role, but until I see it, it is hard to project him making the team.
Moving on- Carson Steel and Will Shipley
DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper, and Johnny Wilson
The original 53 and what happens later are different, and this year will not be any different. AJ Brown will likely be traded, and Covey and Moore could be game-day call-ups from the PS. I think they initially keep Wilson out of fear of losing him. His blocking could be important in the new offense.
Moving on- A.J. Brown, Elijah Moore, Britain Covey, Danny Gray, Quez Watkins
Dallas Goedert, Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, Dae’Quan Wright
Dallas, Eli, and Mundt are locks; if the fourth spot is for a developmental TE with upside, Dae’Quan wins.
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 Willie Lampkin
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 and Micah and Lampkin as developmental guards give them some depth, but not a reliable backup as they have at tackle with Big Fred. Someone could be added at iOL.
Moving on- Jake Majors and Jaeden Roberts (hopefully to the practice squad)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Brandon Graham, and Ty Robinson
BG could be listed at Edge or DT, but seems to be playing iDL, so I am adding him here. Uar can be designated as the iPP, and it would be surprising if he weren't.
Uar Bernard (iPP)
Moving on- Byron Young and Gabe Hall
Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith Jr., and Arnold Ebiketie
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.
This is a very talented edge-rushing group and an improvement over what they brought into 2025. Opposing QBs will be under a lot of pressure.
Moving on- Jose Ramirez, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Ta’Quon Graham, and Keyshawn James-Newby
Josh Weru (iPP, probably Uar as mentioned above, or PS), either way, it would be surprising if he were to count against the 53.
Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., and Deontae Lawson
Last season was the deepest LB room the Eagles have had in over a decade; the 2026 version could be better. Lawson could be a player many look back on and wonder how he wasn't drafted. If they only keep 4, Mondon will have his work cut out for him fighting off Deontae.
Moving on- Chance Campbell, Chandler Martin, and Isiah King
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 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 have developed and made major strides from year one to two, and is a wild card.
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, Braden Mann, Rocco Underwood
Eilliot is hard to move on from due to his contract extension, Mann is a field-flipper on a new deal, and Rocco has no competition at the moment. This projection seems like a lock.
I do not expect the initial 53 to be any indicator of what the week one 53 would be, but there are a lot of players, especially on offense, who are difficult to project being released as of now.
Who do you have as a lock that I let go?
As always, thank you for reading!
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