The first round of cuts came on Thursday. They continued into Friday, and by 4 p.m. on Saturday, the Eagles were down to 53-players on their roster.
Now, it is time to make changes to that group as well.
"I would say that the roster as it is today," Howie Roseman said Saturday, "there definitely will be changes in the next 24 to 36 hours just based on the IR rules to begin with, and I don't know that we're necessarily exactly where we want to be even on the 53."
The Eagles need help at a few positions, as they have just three running backs, two tight ends and five cornerbacks on the roster. Their issues at offensive line could also cause them to look for anyone who could come in and give them some much-needed depth at tackle.
Who could they target?
There were not many big-name, surprise releases on Saturday, but here are five under-the-radar players that might interest the team:
Richard Rodgers, TE: This probably isn't the first name that Eagles fans wanted to see on this list, but we know two things about the Eagles — they need a third tight end and they love bringing in former players. Rodgers checks both of those boxes, with the added benefit now of having just spent the last month working for their Week 1 opponent, Washington. Rodgers is healthy, knows the Eagles' offense and wouldn't face the learning curve another tight end would.
Isaac Nauta, TE: Chances are the Eagles will be bringing back UDFA tight end Noah Togiai. If they don't, however, it could be because they choose to go with a young tight end they feel has more upside. Nauta checks off what the Eagles are looking for in tight ends as he stands 6-foot-4 with great hands, but is considered a decent blocker as well. Nauta never caught on in Detroit, but the former seventh-round pick might benefit from coming to the tight-end friendly offense the Eagles run.
Alex Light, LT: Even though a deal with veteran offensive tackle Cory Glenn seems likely, there is zero doubt the Eagles will be paying extra close attention to who hits the waiver wire along the offensive line. Light, 6-foot-5, 305 pounds, was considered one of the final cuts in Green Bay, where he appeared in 13-games last season, and 16 games overall since 2018. Light wouldn't be a better option to play right away than Glenn would be, but considering the Eagles don't even have quality backup tackles, he would provide some much-needed depth at both tackle spots.
Jaylen Watkins, S: Like Rodgers, Watkins is a name to watch for simply because of his ties to the Eagles — and Roseman's favorite college, Florida. Watkins has struggled since leaving the Eagles in 2018, suffering a torn ACL during his first reason with the Los Angeles Charger, then was released by the Houston Texans before ever playing a snap in his two-year, $3 million deal he signed this offseason. The Eagles went heavy at safety, but they really don't have a great option to play behind Rodney McLeod should the veteran safety go down. Watkins could be viewed as an upgrade on defense over Rudy Ford or Marcus Epps.
Jason Huntley, RB: The Eagles have just three running backs on the roster, and it wouldn't be surprising if they either added a fourth, or went with multiple running backs on the practice squad. Huntely is a player they could consider. A fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Huntley is lighting quick, and his 40-time (4.37) would have been the fastest of any running back at the Combine had he been invited. Huntley is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield, pulling in 87 passes and five touchdowns over his final two seasons at New Mexico State. He totaled 2,316 total yards from scrimmage and 22 touchdowns. He was also a dynamic kick returner in college, which will definitely catch the Eagles' attention.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
