Howie Roseman explored opportunities to reshape the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster throughout the summer, but none of the trade discussions produced an agreement. Roseman acknowledged after final cuts that he “was trying” to make trades. The Eagles general manager did not identify the players or positions involved in those conversations.
Philadelphia entered the roster deadline with several position groups that could have attracted interest. The Eagles had four quarterbacks, a crowded wide receiver competition and multiple veteran defensive backs fighting for limited roster spots. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee competed for the backup quarterback job behind Jalen Hurts, prompting outside speculation that one of them could become available. Instead,
Philadelphia retained both quarterbacks along with fifth-round rookie Cole Payton.
The Eagles also released experienced players such as Britain Covey, Dameon Pierce, Michael Jordan, Quez Watkins, Ambry Thomas and Shaun Wade. Covey and Pierce later returned on the practice squad. Roseman’s admission does not necessarily mean Philadelphia was attempting to trade one specific player. General managers routinely discuss potential exchanges during training camp while comparing their roster strengths with another team’s needs.
The absence of an agreement also illustrates the challenge of making trades immediately before final cuts. Teams understand that hundreds of players will become available through waivers and free agency, reducing the incentive to surrender draft capital.
Philadelphia’s roster is unlikely to remain unchanged. Roseman has consistently treated roster construction as a year-round process, and injuries or disappointing performances across the league could create new opportunities.
No deal made sense during training camp. That will not prevent Roseman from continuing to call other teams.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Howie Roseman confirms Eagles explored trades before initial 53-man roster
