Eagles’ way-too-early 53-man roster projection following first week of free agency signings
The Eagles roster can still see some transition before Week 1’s kickoff.
The first wave of NFL free agency has wrapped. Plenty of potential impact adds remain available, but some big fish have been snatched from the pond as well.
With that, it is worth taking a look at an early roster projection for a Philadelphia Eagles active roster for next season.
Philadelphia Eagles 2026 way-to0-early 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2)
Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee
The Skinny: I’m not sure if the Eagles want to keep three quarterbacks on the roster at all times, especially with a trusted backup like McKee. They’ll need a third as an emergency QB, though, so that addition will still have to be made.
Running back (3)
Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley
The Skinny: This may be the simplest one of all. I could see a fourth here being a rookie, but I’m not sure they’ll choose that route over an extra defensive back or pass rusher active on game days.
Wide Receiver (5)
A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, Free Agent, Rookie, Britain Covey
The Skinny: Color me intrigued here. The Eagles do not have depth at wide receiver right now, and Covey is getting this spot as a special teams piece. Philly needs another veteran in the room, and I would not be shocked if they picked a WR sometime on day two of the draft.
Tight End (3)
Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, Grant Calcaterra
The Skinny: The Eagles added Mundt to the mix here as an experienced blocker at the TE position. Hard to see anyone past these three carving out a 53-man spot as of now. Maybe a rookie jumps into the group – but they have plenty of other needs.
Offensive Tackles (5)
Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, Rookie, Cameron Williams, Myles Hinton
I believe Philly will have an eye on OT early in the draft, and it makes sense. Johnson considered retirement this offseason, and 2026 could be his final season. Williams should be retained as a swing tackle option.
Interior Offensive Line (6)
Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Jake Majors, Willie Lampkin, Rookie
Majors is a bit of a swing here for a backup center option. Adding a guard on late day two or early day three would be ideal for the Birds. Lampkin will never be a starter, but he is rosterable for the Eagles next season.
EDGE rusher (5)
Nolan Smith Jr., Arnold Ebiketie, Jalyx Hunt, Rookie, Rookie
The Skinny: Unknown! Hunt is a lesser known fan favorite for his pass rush prowess, but Ebiketie could also hold that sort of role this season. Smith has a lot of pressure riding on him, and the Eagles need him to stay available and perform after Jaelan Phillips left in free agency.
Interior Defensive Line (5)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Ty Robinson, Byron Young, Moro Ojomo
The Skinny’ This is clear cut to me. Ojomo will move around a bit, as can Young. That being said, another rookie addition could also help the depth here. In this scenario, though, I added those picks to larger positions of need. Carter and Davis leading this group once again is exciting for Eagles fans.
Linebacker (5)
Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., Rookie
The Skinny: With Nakobe Dean out, Campbell and Trotter will both need to step up. Mondon has proven to be a nice special teams option, but I wonder if we even see more of him on defense, too. Plenty to still shake out at this spot for Vic Fangio.
Cornerback (7)
Quinyon Mitchell, Tariq Woolen, Cooper DeJean, Jonathan Jones, Jakorian Bennett, Ambry Thomas, Rookie
The Skinny: This group looks notable deeper with the FA additions of Woolen and Jones. Bennett and Thomas may be interchangeable with some current options on the roster, but I feel best a bout them right now. Adding another cornerback sometime on day three may make the most sense when it comes to a rookie piece.
Safety (4)
Andrew Mukuba, Sydney Brown, Brandon Johnson, Rookie
The Skinny: I am most concerned about this group right now. I aim not sure Howie Roseman goes safety in round one, but it has to be addressed early on. Mukuba is a player they like plenty, but he is the most talented player in the room currently and is coming off an injury.
I still think adding a veteran makes even more sense than a rookie, but the free agent market has quickly dried up when it comes to potential starters there.
Specialists (3)
Jake Elliott (K), Braden Mann (P), Long Snapper (TBD)
Let us know who you think could make the Eagles 53-man roster for Week 1! Did we miss someone? Will another rookie earn a spot?
Philadelphia Eagles News
Philadelphia Eagles 3-round mock draft after first wave of NFL free agency: Replacing Reed Blankenship, improving the OL, and missing out on one big need
The Eagles have work to do in the 2026 NFL draft.
