The next 48 hours are going to be a big one for the Eagles, as they not only cut their own roster down to 53-players, but keep their eyes open for players from other teams who make their way to the waiver wire or free agency.
As deep as the Eagles' roster is, and Howie Roseman has certainly built a deep team, there are some spots they could use some help. Linebacker, safety, defensive line, tight end are at the top of the list. Some of the needs are due to injury. Others are a lack of young talent at the position.
Finding players they could sign is a bit like shooting fish in a barrel. Recently, The Athletic posted a great article with potential roster cuts on each team. You should definitely check it out. Here are 15 guys from that list that the Eagles could have interest in if they are released:
Cornerback: Maurice Canady (Baltimore Ravens), Anthony Averett (Baltimore Ravens)
Analysis: The Eagles got a close look at both Canady (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) and Avertt (5-foot-11, 178 pounds) during the joint practices the two teams had earlier this month. The team is going to be looking for another cornerback assuming they cut Orlando Scandrick. Canady is the more likely of the two to be claimed if either becomes available, as he has three years of NFL experience with 19 games played. Averett is an excellent athlete — he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash coming out of Alabama — that hasn't gotten a chance to really play yet in Baltimore.
Safety: Tavon Wilson (Detroit Lions), Charles Washington (Detroit Lions), Shalom Luani (Seattle Seahawks)
Analysis: The Eagles have been bringing in safeties throughout the offseason and it still isn't clear who is going to be the fourth safety on the roster. The only certainty at the position is that they are open to making a change. Luani could end up being a steal for the Eagles, as he would only become available because of how talented the Seahawks' safeties are. Luani is not an elite athlete but has great instincts and is a strong special teams player. Wilson and Washington could also find themselves on the waiver wire because of how deep the Lions are at safety. Wilson is a veteran, so he might appeal to the Eagles as they have shown a clear interest in older players throughout this offseason, and might need a safety to play right away in Week 1 if they cut Jonathan Cyprien and Rudy Ford isn't ready due to a lower body injury.
Defensive Line: Jordan Willis (Cincinnati Bengals), Dawuane Smoot (Jacksonville Jaguars), Datone Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Analysis: Willis was linked to the Eagles during the 2017 draft process, and has been mostly a backup with the Bengals, starting only two games in two years. The Eagles have made it clear the fourth defensive end spot is still up for grabs on Sundays, a sign they might not be happy with what they have seen Josh Sweat or Shareef Miller. The Eagles got a good look at Smoot and Jones this preseason when they faced off against the Jaguars.
Tight End: Mason Schreck (Cincinnati Bengals), Jerell Adams (New York Giants), Tyler Conklin (Minnesota Vikings) Cole Hikutini (Minnesota Vikings), Brandon Dillon (Minnesota Vikings)
Analysis: The Eagles are going to be taking a very close look at the waiver wire for tight ends, considering the injury to Richard Rodgers and Dallas Goedert missing time recently. The Vikings are especially deep at tight end, and although none of the players listed above are veterans, the Eagles could bounce if they like one of them better than Alex Ellis. A trade shouldn't be ruled out at tight end.
Linebacker: Nick Dzunbar (Los Angeles Chargers), Azeez Al-Shaair (San Francisco 49ers)
Analysis: Dzunber is a player to keep an eye on, as he lead the NFL in special team tackles in 2017. With the ability to play all three linebacker spots in 4-3 defense, Dzunber checks off two key boxes for the Eagles — versatility and special teams. Al-Shaair tore his ACL in college, which is why he was a UDFA, but all reports are that he has looked good so far in training camp and completely healed from the injury.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
