Eagles Cut Down To 53
The Eagles’ receiving corps became a bit younger on Saturday. Two veterans brought in as possible depth pieces — Markus Wheaton and Kamar Aiken — were informed they will be released.
So was potential secondary cog De’Vante Bausby and rookie UDFA running back Josh Adams, given one of this year’s largest guarantees among the undrafted contingent. Philadelphia also placed safety Chris Maragos on its Reserve/PUP list, shelving him for at least six weeks.
Here are the players the Eagles will not be including on their initial 2018 53-man roster:
Released:
- WR Kamar Aiken
- DE Steven Means
- WR Markus Wheaton
Waived:
- RB Josh Adams
- CB De’Vante Bausby
- LB Asantay Brown
- TE Billy Brown
- QB Joe Callahan
- DT Winston Craig
- WR Rashard Davis
- TE Anthony Denham
- G Aaron Evans
- DE Danny Ezechukwu
- S Ironhead Gallon
- G Darrell Greene
- QB Christian Hackenberg
- T Taylor Hart
- RB Matt Jones
- DE Joe Ostman
- WR Darius Prince
- RB Donnel Pumphrey
- DT Elijah Qualls
- S Jeremy Reaves
- DT Aziz Shittu
- CB Chandon Sullivan
- C Jon Toth
- WR Bryce Treggs
- WR Greg Ward
- LB Jaboree Williams
- LB Kyle Wilson
- WR Tim Wilson
Waived with an injury designation:
Placed on Reserve/NFI list:
Placed on Reserve/PUP list
Eagles Release QB Christian Hackenberg
The Eagles have released Christian Hackenberg, according to Matt Lombardo of NJ.com (Twitter links). The former Jets draft bust hooked on with the Eagles in August, but faced long odds of making the team. Fellow quarterback Joe Callahan has also been cut, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter).
The Eagles still have some level of uncertainty at quarterback between Carson Wentz‘s ACL recovery and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles‘ minor neck injury. Still, one of those two QBs should be ready for the opener and the Eagles remain high on third-stringer Nate Sudfeld. Callahan drew solid reviews this summer, but the numbers crunch was ultimately too much for him to overcome.
The Jets selected Hackenberg with the 51st overall pick in the 2016 draft, but he never saw the field during two regular season campaigns. New York traded the 23-year-old to the Raiders in May, but he lasted less than month on Oakland’s roster. He met with the Patriots and other clubs had interest, so Hackenberg could be a practice squad candidate for another team.
The Eagles have also released tight end Gannon Sinclair as they work their way down to a 53-man roster.
Eagles Sign Corey Graham
The Eagles have re-signed free agent safety Corey Graham, as Adam Caplan of SiriusXM was first to report (via Twitter). Graham signed a one-year pact with the eventual Super Bowl champs almost exactly one year ago, so this has become something of an annual tradition.
Graham, who is entering his 11th NFL season, was a solid third safety for Philadelphia last season, playing 35% of the team’s regular season defensive snaps in support of starters Rodney McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins. He was a key special teams contributor as well, as he posted the second-most special teams tackles on the club, and he added two interceptions and four passes defensed. We ranked him as one of the ten best available free agent safeties in March, and now that the safety market has finally started to move a bit, Graham was able to land another one-year deal with the Eagles.
The Eagles deployed three safeties throughout much of their championship run last season, and Graham played 60% of the club’s postseason defensive snaps as a result. Given that Philadelphia did not do much to bolster the depth chart behind McLeod and Jenkins, it was almost an inevitability that Graham would be back.
In addition to Graham, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Eagles have signed tight end Gannon Sinclar, who has not played in a regular season game since entering the league as a UDFA with the Cardinals in 2015. To make room for Sinclair and Graham, Philadelphia waived safety Ryan Neal and waived/injured tight end Adam Zaruba.
Jaguars Sign 16 UDFAs, Cut 11 Players
The Jaguars announced that they have signed 16 undrafted free agents. In order to make room, they have released eleven players from the roster. Here’s the full rundown:
Signed:
- Caleb Bluiett, TE (Texas)
- Keelan Cole, WR (Kentucky Wesleyan)
- Parker Collins, C (Appalachian State)
- Tim Cook, RB (Oregon State)
- Jeremy Cutrer, CB (Middle Tennessee)
- P.J. Davis, LB (Georgia Tech)
- Hunter Dimick, DE (Utah)
- Amba Etta-Tawo, WR (Syracuse)
- Avery Gennesy, G (Texas A&M)
- Justin Horton, LB (Jacksonville)
- Tueni Lupeamanu, DT (Idaho)
- I’Tavius Mathers, RB (Middle Tennessee State)
- Charlie Miller, S (Dartmouth)
- Carroll Phillips, DE (Illinois)
- Ezra Robinson, CB (Tennessee State)
- Kenneth Walker, WR (UCLA)
Released:
- E.J. Bibbs, TE
- Bronson Hill, RB
- Colin Kelly, OL
- Sean Porter, LB
- Daryl Richardson, RB
- Gannon Sinclair, TE
- Elijah Shumate, S
- Arturo Uzdavinis, OL
- Greg Van Roten, OL
- Tony Washington, WR
- Raphael Kirby, LB
Dimick led the Pac-12 in sacks last season with 13.5 and earned a first-team All-Conference selection. Prior to the draft, one NFC West Coast scout told Lance Zierlein of NFL.com that Dimick’s work ethic is admirable, but his lack of natural talent may inhibit him at the next level.
“He’s more try-hard than talented. His effort is great. I love how hard he plays, but when you are as sawed-off as he is on the edge and you can’t unlock your hips, I don’t know how he is going to see the field,” the scout said.
Horton got $25K guaranteed from the Jaguars between his $5K bonus and $20K guaranteed base, Tom Pelissero of USA Today tweets.
The Jags’ roster is now at the 90-man max.
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/2/17
Here are today’s reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2017 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters.
Baltimore Ravens
- WR Kenny Bell
- OL Jarell Broxton
- RB Stephen Houston
- OL Jarrod Pughsley
- OL Matt Skura
- QB Dustin Vaughan
Carolina Panthers
- T Blaine Clausell
- DT Eric Crume
- WR Keyarris Garrett
- CB Tyler Patmon
- RB Jalen Simmons
- TE Scott Simonson
- T Pearce Slater
- T Tyrus Thompson
- TE Eric Wallace
NFL Workout Updates: 12/20/16
Tuesday is typically a busy workout day for NFL teams, and the level of activity only increases near the end of the season, when clubs are looking at players who might be candidates for reserve/futures contracts. Here are today’s tryout notes:
- The Buccaneers worked out quarterback Sean Renfree, defensive end Alex Bazzie, linebacker Deon Lacey, and Spanish rugby star Inaki Villanueva (as a tight end), reports Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Renfree, 26, spent last season as Matt Ryan‘s backup in Atlanta, and has auditioned for a number of clubs this year without being offered a deal.
- The Lions worked out a pair of free agent tight ends — David Ausberry and Gabe Hughes — at the end of last week, tweets Justin Rogers of the Detroit News. PFR reported earlier this year that Ausberry tore his Achilles during a November 2015 tryout with New York, and has presumably been rehabbing ever since.
- Former Chicago linebacker Khaseem Greene tried out for the Chiefs, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link). Greene started six games for the Bears from 2012-14, and has spent time on a few other NFL rosters, but hasn’t appeared in the NFL in two years.
- The Jets met with quarterback Mike Bercovici; tight ends M.J. McFarland, Gannon Sinclair, and Jason Vander Laan; and wide receiver Dez Stewart, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Bercovici, a 2016 favorite of some NFL draftniks, went to camp with San Diego but didn’t make the final cut.
- The Titans worked out former Oakland/New York defensive end Shelby Harris today, tweets Caplan. Harris, 25, played in eight games over the past two seasons with the Raiders.
- The Texans met with cornerback Mitchell White, who has spent the past three years in the Canadian Football League, according to Caplan (Twitter link).
- The Patriots auditioned defensive tackle Jeoffrey Pagan, reports Doug Kyed of NESN (Twitter link).
NFL Workout Notes: Falcons, Lions, Redskins
Former New England defensive end Rufus Johnson worked out for the Falcons today, according to a source who spoke with Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Johnson has made the rounds on the workout circuit since getting waived off the Patriots’ practice squad in September. Atlanta also took a look at quarterback Ricky Stanzi, wide receivers Max McCaffrey and Anthony Dable, and defensive ends Lawrence Okoye and Arthur Miley, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the workouts happening around the league today, all courtesy of Caplan unless otherwise noted:
- The Redskins worked out running backs Storm Johnson, Brandon Ross, Dreamius Smith, and Cedric O’Neal, as well as centers Trevor Robinson and Shane McDermott (Twitter link). Washington is taking a look at backs after Matt Jones was forced to miss Week 9 with a knee injury.
- The Lions worked out tight ends Ryan Malleck and Gannon Sinclair, defensive ends Rakim Cox and Jordan Williams, and linebacker Tristan Okpalaugo (Twitter link).
- Tight end Kennard Backman, who appeared in seven games with the Packers last season, auditioned for the Ravens today (Twitter link).
- The 49ers worked out wide receivers Antwan Goodley (Twitter link via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com) and Mose Frazier (Twitter link).
- The Texans worked out tight end Kyle Carter, who went undrafted out of Penn State earlier this year (Twitter link).
AFC Workout Notes: Colts, Chiefs, Ravens, Pats
Free agent receiver Aaron Dobson visited the Colts on Tuesday, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN (Twitter link). Dobson has worked out for several teams and had multiple stints with the Lions since the Patriots cut him Sept. 3. The three-year veteran has 53 receptions and four touchdowns in 24 games (13 starts).
The Colts also worked out running back David Cobb (Twitter link). The former Titan has tried out for a bevy of clubs since Tennessee cut him in August. Cobb briefly caught on with the Steelers, who waived him from their practice squad last week.
Along with Dobson and Cobb, receiver Marcus Leak, tight ends Alex Bayer and Darion Griswold, and linebackers Trevor Reilly and James Vaughters tried out with the Colts, tweets Howard Balzer of USA Today.
More workouts from the AFC (courtesy of Caplan, unless otherwise noted):
- In addition to defensive end Kendall Reyes, whom they signed, the Chiefs tried out fellow DE Lynden Trail on Tuesday, according to Nick Underhill of the Advocate (Twitter link). Joining them were linebackers Deion Barnes, Randell Johnson, and Kyle Kragen.
- Veteran offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds worked out for the Ravens on Tuesday (Twitter link). Reynolds has been on the radar of a few teams since Los Angeles released him prior to Week 1. The 29-year-old has 42 appearances and 23 starts on his resume.
- The Patriots tried out out two offensive tackles – Ryan Mack and Pearce Slater – as well as defensive end Jordan Williams, reports Doug Kyed of NESN (via Twitter).
- Along with linebacker Quentin Gaus and tight end Steven Scheu, both of whom joined their practice squad, the Broncos worked out linebackers Lenny Jones, J.R. Tavai and Kyrie Wilson; defensive ends Deonte Gibson, Ian Seau and Josh Shirley; and safety Elijah Shumate (Twitter links via Balzer).
- The Texans worked out safety Don Jones and a pair of cornerbacks, Denzel Rice and Charles Gaines (Twitter link).
- Running back Mekale McKay and Jhurell Pressley tried out for the Jets, according to Balzer (Twitter link).
- Three tight ends – Kivon Cartwright, Tim Semisch and Gannon Sinclair – worked out for the Titans, tweets Balzer.
NFL Workout Updates: 10/10/16
Well, this is a new one: The Steelers worked out Spanish rugby sevens player Inaki Villanueva, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds that Villanueva will attempt to make the NFL as a tight end. Villanueva, 25 this week, was part of the Spanish rugby team that competed at the 2016 Summer Olmypics.
Here’s more on today’s tryouts and visits:
- The Patriots worked out wide receiver Donteea Dye, fullback Austin Johnson, and tight end Gannon Sinclair today, a source tells Doug Kyed of NESN. Per Kyed, the trio was likely auditioning for a spot on New England’s practice squad, which currently only has nine members.
- Jake Long wasn’t the only offensive lineman to audition for the Vikings today, as Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link) reports that Minnesota also took a look at Garrett Reynolds and Reid Fragel.
- The Redskins worked out defensive tackles Jermelle Cudjo, A.J. Francis, and Joey Mbu today, per Caplan (Twitter link). Washington met with fellow DTs Terrance Knighton (link) and Phil Taylor (link) today as well, but won’t be signing either one at this time, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter link).
- Although the Cowboys tried out defensive backs Rashaad Reynolds, Leon McFadden, and Richard Crawford today, the club won’t be signing any of them, tweets Todd Archer of ESPN.com.
- The Cardinals auditioned linebackers Dwayne Norman and Jayson DiManche, as well as safeties Keenan Lambert and Dezmen Southward on Monday, reports Caplan (Twitter link).
- The Eagles worked out linebackers Eric Pinkins, Lamar Louis, and James Burgess, Caplan tweets.
NFL Workout Updates: 9/27/16
Tuesday is workout day in the NFL, and while we’ve dedicated full posts to the more notable tryouts, we’ll round up the stragglers here:
- The Jaguars worked out offensive tackle Jeff Adams, wide receivers Kenny Bell and Mario Alford, guard Chase Farris, and linebacker Micah Awe, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Eagles worked out tight ends Gannon Sinclair, Rory Anderson, and Marcel Jensen; quarterback Logan Thomas; cornerback Duke Thomas; and safety Rolan Milligan, according to Caplan (Twitter link)
- Defensive tackle Sealver Siliga worked out for the Bears, Doug Kyed of NESN tweets. The Bears also auditioned tackle Clay DeBord, guard Austin Shepherd, and offensive tackle Arturo Uzdavinis, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link).
- The Bills worked out quarterback Josh Woodrum, tight end Paul Lang, wide receiver Corey Washington, tackle Clay DeBord, guard Chase Farris, and guard Donovan Williams, as Mike Rodak of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Redskins worked out guard Mackenzy Bernadeau and safeties Josh Evans and Jerome Couplin, Caplan tweets. Cornerback Tay Glover-Wright was also on hand for a workout, per Howard Balzer (Twitter link). Washington is on the hunt for secondary help after losing DeAngelo Hall for the season.
- Like the Eagles, the Buccaneers also worked out tight end Rory Anderson, according to Caplan (Twitter link).
- The Panthers auditioned former Falcons third-round pick Dezmen Southward, tweets Caplan. After signing fellow safety Michael Griffin, however, Carolina will presumably pass on Southward.
- The Chiefs took a look at offensive tackle Jesse Davis, reports Balzer (Twitter link).