5 Most Notable Eagles Keeps and Cuts From Cut Day 2026

The NFL preseason has officially come to a close, and with that, the 75-man roster had to be cut down to 53. In most cases, around 40 of the players are already a “lock” to make the team, so this means about 35 players have to fight for 13 spots.

With that in mind, this leaves many preseason fan-favorites off the 53-man roster heading into the Eagles’ 2026 season.

So, given the battle for the scarce roster spots, these are the most surprising outcomes from the 2026 preseason.

Eagles Carrying 4 QBs

The first notable “cut” battle of the preseason came at the most important positional group in football, quarterback. The Eagles entered preseason with a four-man depth at the position.

It was a given that Jalen Hurts would make the team, and likely Tanner McKee too. However, the biggest question was whether rookie Cole Payton or veteran Andy Dalton would be the final QB on the roster.

Instead, they both made the roster, with Dalton actually getting marked as the QB2, and Payton as the QB4. This marks the first time since Michael Vick‘s Comeback Player of the Year season in 2010 that the Eagles enter Week 1 with four active QBs; this also happened to be Howie Roseman’s first season as the Eagles’ general manager.

Carson Steele, Dameon Pierce Cut

During the three preseason games, a fullback ended up becoming one of the fan-favorites. Whether due to his grit on the field or highlight-reel moments, Carson Steele stole the show during his very short time as an Eagle.

In the preseason, he totaled almost 200 total yards and two touchdowns in just two games, including multiple viral hurdles against the Patriots. However, he was cut Saturday in favor of Will Shipley, who was averaging over five yards per carry throughout preseason.

Another skilled player out of the backfield who will not be finding himself on the 53-man roster is Dameon Pierce. Pierce has seen a sharp fall-off compared to his stellar season in 2022, and in a preseason where he only got four carries, he got cut.

Pierce, in those carries, had 44 yards, including a 16-yard burst. Nevertheless, whether due to age or the Eagles’ system, he found himself as a free agent as the season starts.

Uar Bernard, Joshua Weru Waived

One of the biggest talking points after the draft, Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru both found themselves waived today.

The Nigerian Bernard and Kenyan Weru are both African-born international players, highly touted for their raw ability as potential NFL linemen. Bernard, especially, made headlines for his physical traits, and in the first game against the Ravens even made an impact on a few plays. On the other hand, Weru was a rugby player, similar to Jordan Mailata, and even recorded a sack during his time as an Eagle.

Unfortunately, Bernard did not record any stats, and Weru had two tackles and a sack, and that was the extent of their performances.

Nevertheless, their arrival this preseason displays a shift in the NFL’s focus and how the International Player Pathway is promoting more players like Bernard, Mailata, Weru, and many others who originally never had a chance at the NFL.

Willie Lampkin gets a Spot

With cuts, there are keeps, and many players managed to find their way onto the final 53-man squad. One player who caught many headlines for his size was Willie Lampkin; however, on the field he was a force.

Lampkin, an extremely undersized lineman, was able to make himself look huge with his ability to control the trenches. With his quick feet and short frame, he resembled another Jason Kelce, but at the right guard position.

Kelee Ringo Remains on Roster

Kelee Ringo has not found himself in Philadelphia’s good graces due to some of his performances; however, he has found himself on the 53-man roster.

Ringo is entering his fourth, and perhaps final, season as an Eagle. With that, he is in a very loaded cornerback room that contains three players who have been selected to the Pro Bowl within the last four seasons.

With the arrival of Riq Woolen, Ringo could find himself as a depth piece until his contract eventually expires.

Isaac Baranski

Isaac is a high-school senior who currently attends the Hun School of Princeton. In his free time, he has many interests, but most of all is his love for Philadelphia sports. He has watched the 76ers since the days of Sam Hinkie and hopes to watch the process be completed. He has also watched the Phillies since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the great crew, and hopes to see Red October finally achieve its goal. Along with that, he picked up a love for the Philadelphia Union shortly before the pandemic, and has seen them win multiple Supporters’ Shields in person. Lastly, and most importantly, he is a major football lover and an even bigger Eagles lover. Since developing his love for The Birds in elementary school, he has made it his goal to never miss a game.

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