OTAs concluded over a week ago, yet numerous decisions remain unresolved in the months ahead before the Philadelphia Eagles commence their 2026 season.
Training camp will feature an unprecedented level of intense positional competition, as general manager Howie Roseman has significantly bolstered the roster’s depth. This abundance of talent will present head coach Nick Sirianni and his staff with difficult choices in determining the final roster composition.
With only 53 players eligible for the September roster, the question of who secures a spot looms large. Based on the developments observed during OTAs, here is a projection of the Eagles’ eventual 53-man roster.
2026 Philadelphia Eagles 53-Man Roster Projection
QB – Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, Cole Payton
McKee retains his role as Hurts’ primary backup, while Dalton assumes the third-string position. Should Payton perform impressively during training camp, McKee or Dalton could potentially be traded or released, but for the present, the team retains all four quarterbacks.
RB – Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley
Barkley and Bigsby are assured of their spots, while Shipley secures his place through his contributions on special teams in the return game. Though Dameon Pierce and Elijah Mitchell will challenge Shipley, the Eagles ultimately favor the young player who has been with the organization for some time.
WR – DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Darius Cooper, Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey
Covey withstands roster cuts due to his status as arguably the team’s premier return specialist on special teams. Cooper and Wilson receive the nod over Elijah Moore because of their youth and their ability to contribute on special teams as well.
TE – Dallas Goedert, Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt
Although the Eagles might opt to carry more than three tight ends given their expected use of 12 personnel, these three appear to be the most secure choices. Goedert and Stowers serve as receiving options, while Mundt provides blocking proficiency—an ideal combination for Philadelphia’s needs in that position room.
OL – Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Markel Bell, Michael Jordan, Drew Kendal, Micah Morris
This season, the Eagles find it necessary to retain more offensive linemen than they might prefer. Given the multitude of injuries sustained during the 2025 campaign, prioritizing depth with players like Fred Johnson, Bell, Jordan, Kendal, and Morris is a prudent approach.
DL – Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson
The defensive line composition is fairly straightforward with the core players returning. Gabe Hall remains a player to monitor for a potential spot. New fan favorite Uar Bernard will likely spend this season on the practice squad to develop his understanding of the game, with a possible late-season call-up.
EDGE – Jonathan Greenard, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Arnold Ebiketie, A.J. Epenesa
These five are expected to remain on the 53-man roster without any surprises, with the primary question being who earns the starting role between Smith and Hunt. Keyshawn James-Newby and Joshua Weru could find themselves on the practice squad.
Inside Linebacker – Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr.
Deontae Lawson and Chance Campbell have the potential to make an impact at the bottom of the depth chart, but they are more likely to be assigned to the practice squad. Trotter is expected to see increased involvement in the rotation alongside Campbell.
CB – Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean, Jonathan Jones, Kelee Ringo
Jakorian Bennett and Mac McWilliams remain solid cornerback options, but the position’s depth ultimately consigns them to the practice squad. Ringo survives based on his special teams prowess as one of the team’s top gunners. Jones prevails as a backup, though Eagles fans hope he rarely sees the field given the strength of the top three corners.
Safety – Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II, J.T. Gray
Cole Wisniewski is on the borderline of the 53-man roster, but his fate may hinge on how many offensive linemen and receivers the Eagles decide to carry. Carter is capable of playing both nickel and safety, while Gray ranks among the NFL’s premier special teams players.
Special Teams – Jake Elliott (Kicker), Braden Mann (Punter), Rocco Underwood (Long Snapper)
No major surprises on special teams, as Elliott and Mann maintain their positions. The Eagles are unlikely to introduce competition at long snapper, and rookie Underwood secures the job.
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