The Philadelphia Eagles have announced their initial roster, but the NFL’s final cutdown deadline created another opportunity for general manager Howie Roseman to pursue upgrades. Philadelphia is 23rd in the waiver order, meaning several prominent players may be claimed before the Eagles receive an opportunity. A successful claim would also require Philadelphia to remove someone from its initial 53-man roster
.The Eagles could still use help at edge rusher, in the secondary and in the return game.
1. Chris Braswell, edge rusher
Braswell should be near the top of Philadelphia’s list. Tampa Bay waived the 2024 second-round pick after he produced 48 tackles and 2½ sacks over his first two seasons.
Braswell also played extensively on special teams, an important consideration for
a reserve defender. He could provide young, inexpensive depth behind Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith and Jonathan Greenard while competing with Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa. Tampa Bay’s decision to waive Braswell was among the bigger surprises of cutdown weekend.
2. Bralen Trice, edge rusher
Trice entered the league as Atlanta’s third-round selection in 2024 but lost his first two seasons to injuries. That history makes him a risk, but it also explains why an intriguing pass rusher became available.
Philadelphia would need to be satisfied with his health. If cleared, Trice could provide another developmental option for a position group that still contains uncertainty behind Hunt and Smith.
3. Mazi Smith, defensive tackle
The Jets waived Smith three years after Dallas selected him in the first round. His NFL production has not matched his draft status, but his size and run-defending potential remain appealing.
Philadelphia kept five defensive tackles on its initial roster. Smith would not need to become a featured player alongside Jalen Carter. He could compete for early-down snaps while defensive line coach Clint Hurtt attempts to unlock the traits that once made him a first-round selection.
4. Wanya Morris, offensive tackle
Morris has appeared in 43 games with 16 starts since Kansas City selected him in the third round of the 2023 draft. Atlanta acquired him in June but waived him during final cuts.
The Eagles already possess one of the NFL’s deepest offensive lines. That should not prevent Roseman from considering another experienced tackle. Morris could provide insurance behind Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata while receiving instruction from offensive line coach Chris Kuper.
5. Terell Smith, cornerback
Chicago’s decision to waive Smith created an opportunity to acquire a young cornerback with NFL experience. The 2023 fifth-round selection has the size and athletic ability to contribute outside and on special teams.
Philadelphia placed Jakorian Bennett on injured reserve with a designation to return. Smith could compete with Kelee Ringo and Mac McWilliams while secondary coach Mike Pellegrino evaluates whether his size, experience and special-teams value improve the back end of the depth chart.
6. Domani Jackson, cornerback
Jackson would represent a developmental investment rather than a guaranteed contributor. His speed and experience playing against high-level college competition make him worth evaluating.
7. Devin Grant, safety
Grant could address one of the roster’s more unsettled areas. Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps are expected to handle prominent roles, while Cooper DeJean and Michael Carter II provide positional flexibility.
Grant would add another young safety to the competition.
8. Junior Colson, LB:
A former third-round selection who could provide a fifth linebacker and special-teams help.
9. Brandon Codrington, CB/returner:
The strongest fit. Codrington earned All-Rookie recognition in 2024 and averaged 11.6 yards per punt return. He directly addresses an unsettled job without requiring Cooper DeJean or Makai Lemon to handle it.
10. Jaydon Blue, running back
Philadelphia kept Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley as its three running backs. Blue would add speed and developmental upside to the group.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 10 recently waived players the Eagles should consider claiming
