Afternoon Cuts Update

Posted: August 31st, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 95 Comments »

Here’s what we know…  

Gone:

WR – Gilyard, Hall, McNutt

TE – Ford, Brackett

FB – Igwenagu

OL – Jones, Vallos, Washington

DL – Taylor, Ogbu, Cohen, Trotter

LB – Clayton, Rau, Moten

S – Atogwe, Thomas

CB – Hanson

That leaves the Eagles with 56 players.  At least 3 must be cut.  So the guys on the bubble for now are:

QB – Edwards, Kafka

RB – Polk

DL – Tapp, Dixon

CB – Lindley, Hughes

P – McBriar, Henry

I said that at least 3 must go.  Could be more if the team looks for outside help at Safety, which I certainly hope they are doing.

So far, I’m right on board with the Eagles.  I predicted the Hanson cut in the podcast and had the team keeping Trevard Lindley.  That might just happen.  OL also played out as I expected.

We’ll see about QB and Antonio Dixon.

Good source for league info (besides Twitter) is PFT’s cuts tracker.

_


95 Comments on “Afternoon Cuts Update”

  1. 1 Tyler Phillips said at 2:10 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    We are going to cut a QB, P, and….Dixon. Polk makes it somehow. Good for him

  2. 2 MFlick said at 2:38 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I really like Polk. I like his attitude and toughness. Just an easy guy to root for.

  3. 3 ICDogg said at 3:24 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    It seems like they want to keep Polk around. I think he got in because they decided to cut Hall.

  4. 4 aceandson said at 3:47 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Wonder if Polk makes and then is waived to the P. S. at some point during the season after all the other rosters are set.

  5. 5 Sam Lynch said at 2:11 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Colt Anderson, still on the 56 man roster! Never count our best STs player out.

  6. 6 Todd B. said at 2:16 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    So move Anderson to PUP and that leaves only two to be cut/traded?

  7. 7 Sam Lynch said at 2:27 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Actually, there is a good chance he doesn’t get put on PUP. It isn’t more likely than not, or anything, but if he were going to PUP, they probably would have done that yesterday to get Landon Cohen on the roster for the Jets game rather than release Hamler, who could have contributed last night.

  8. 8 Corry Henry said at 2:13 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I think it’s safe to say that Roseman is furiously working the phones to try to move at least one DL and maybe one of his QBs.

  9. 9 ICDogg said at 3:26 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    and possibly a running back

  10. 10 DamonL86 said at 2:16 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Surprised no one has been traded.

  11. 11 austinfan said at 2:16 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    They cut the guys who they couldn’t trade.

    Anyone else will wait until 9 PM, they know who teams have asked about, so they know who they can get value, and they’ve probably got a list of young safeties they’d like to pick up.

  12. 12 ahope205 said at 2:18 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Tommy, can you explain to me how it makes sense to cut Hanson over Lindley? I get that the FO thinks that Boykin beat him out (although I’m not sure I agree), but isn’t depth a concern? Does Lindley have that much of an upside? Wouldn’t you prefer to keep a proven vet like Hanson around (especially in a year with such high expectations)? Was this just a move to save a couple hundred grand?

  13. 13 Thunder_lips said at 2:21 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Listen to the podcast. Has to do with the game day roster.

  14. 14 iskar36 said at 2:22 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I’m not Tommy, but I think the argument for cutting Hanson is that he doesn’t offer you any versatility on the outside. Boykins and Hughes both can play the slot. They also can play outside if needed. Lindley is also an outside corner. Hanson would be a huge liability on the outside, and while he is a decent slot corner, that if you believe Boykins is better (which I think the Eagles believe… but I agree you could argue it), then Hanson doesn’t offer you a ton in terms of versatility.

  15. 15 Todd B. said at 2:25 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I know the podcasts that Tommy and Jimmy publish can be long but they are well worth the time. In today’s podcast about the defense, Tommy explains his reasoning to keep Lindley over Hanson by noting that with Boykin and Hughes will be active due to ST (KR and gunner respectively), either Hanson or Lindley would then have to be inactive. If you are going to keep a CB on the roster that is inactive, go with the younger more versatile player.

    (edit – please correct me if I am wrong on this. Not trying to put words in anyone’s mouth.)

  16. 16 Mac said at 2:46 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    In my opinion, Hanson has been on the decline over the last 2 seasons. I like Akeem Jordan but that’s because we need “serviceable” LBers. We need stud Corners and Hanson is nothing more than “serviceable” at best, and in my opinion after last season that would be generous.

  17. 17 colin02 said at 2:19 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Tommy, I also want to applaud you on naming Boykin as Hanson’s replacement loooooooooooong ago. Like, back when you first began predicting how the iggles might approach the draft. Cheers.

  18. 18 Smitty2K3 said at 2:20 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    QB, P, and Colt to PUP. That could do it too. Then trade DL for a safety.

  19. 19 goeagles55 said at 2:30 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Hopefully they can trade Tapp and Edwards.

  20. 20 A_T_G said at 2:36 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I think Tapp, Edwards, Dixon, and a punter go and a safety comes, either a free agent or Thomas. I wouldn’t bet against Tapp or Edwards starting the season on the roster if Howie thinks he can trade them in the first couple weeks, like we did we Ammedola a few years back.

  21. 21 RC5000 said at 2:57 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    You probably mean Gibson who was traded in December. I think Amendola was a final cut, put on PS and Rams picked him off the PS

  22. 22 Mac said at 2:59 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I think we actually intended to keep Gibson. He was part of the Witherspoon trade when we Beef Stew went down.

  23. 23 A_T_G said at 4:33 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    That could be it. In December though? I thought there was a situation where we just kept a guy a few weeks.

  24. 24 Brian Winings said at 2:39 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Why even sign a safety before week 1? Why not stick with the 3 they have now? Then sign one of the FA safeties after Week 1 so their salary isn’t guaranteed. Also allows you to keep all these guys until then.

  25. 25 ICDogg said at 8:52 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Because the guy you most would want now might not be available after week 1.

  26. 26 A_T_G said at 2:44 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    TE Gronkowski was released. That is Dan of the Browns.

    Reggie Wells is available!

    Tim Hightower was released. I thought Shanny had said he would be the starter just a few weeks ago.

  27. 27 NFC East cuts so far, via Pro Football Talk and Hogs Haven – Blogging the bEast said at 2:48 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    […] Good analysis from Tommy Lawlor on where the Eagles stand in regard to their final 53. […]

  28. 28 NoDecaf said at 2:50 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    What are the chances of no fullback to make room for Polk?

  29. 29 Brian Winings said at 2:51 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Why not just keep all 5 guys?

  30. 30 NoDecaf said at 2:54 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Sounds great! Who’s gotta leave?

  31. 31 Brian Winings said at 2:57 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    All they need to do is choose between Edwards and Kafka, cut a punter, and PUP Colt. Then they are at 53 (albeit with 3 safeties, but they might be better served waiting to sign a safety after week 1).

  32. 32 Sam Lynch said at 2:57 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    There’s room for Polk AND a fullback.

    Actually, I think if they keep 4 RBs, Polk may get activated over Brown. STs makes the ultimate difference, of course, but at RB, Polk may have more current value though Brown has far more upside value down the road.

  33. 33 Brian Winings said at 2:51 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Any chance the Eagles keep all 4 RBs plus Havili? I haven’t seen anyone predicting that anywhere. I really want Polk on the team (or to agree to get his labrum fixed and go on IR).

  34. 34 Todd B. said at 3:02 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I think there is a good chance this happens.

  35. 35 Todd B. said at 2:53 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Interesting safety released from NE: James Ihedigbo. Back up safety that came in and ended up playing 67% of the defensive snaps due to release and injury.

  36. 36 ChaosOnion said at 3:04 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Bringing in players who could not make the team for NE’s secondary does not excite me.

  37. 37 Todd B. said at 3:05 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Good point….

  38. 38 Mac said at 3:04 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    McLane tweeting that Edwards is the pick at 3rd QB.

  39. 39 RC5000 said at 3:13 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Im good with this if true. now can they get something for Kafka

  40. 40 iskar36 said at 3:17 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    The only possible leverage the Eagles can possibly use is that it gives their trade partner a guarantee to sign Kafka rather than having to compete to sign him. That being said, I don’t think there will be a lot of competition to sign Kafka, or at least not enough that a team should be fearful of missing out on him. I would be blown away if we can get anything for him, and if we do, it will likely be a conditional 7th at best.

  41. 41 ian_no_2 said at 3:52 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Adjusts tie in office mens’ room mirror. “Trading a draft pick to the Eagles for a QB means I’m confident… or.. maybe I secretly want to get fired.”

  42. 42 iskar36 said at 3:14 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I’ve harped on this point multiple times, but I am happy to see this. Edwards is not someone I want on the field if I can help it, but I think he is simply a better QB than Kafka who never showed me enough to suggest that he could run our offense.

  43. 43 Todd B. said at 3:14 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Trade Kafka to the Jets. That will give them one QB.

  44. 44 P_P_K said at 5:52 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    They’d have an trinity.

  45. 45 Matt Hoover said at 12:52 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    Mcelroy isn’t awful

  46. 46 ian_no_2 said at 3:21 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    He’s also tweeting a speculation – not a source – that they’re trying to trade Hughes. There’s supposedly a market for CBs. They got Hughes off the Giants PS after the Giants had outbid other teams for Hughes’ PS bonus. It would be interesting to see if his value has increased, if at all, since he hasn’t done a whole lot in real games. The Chargers picked him in the 5th, he was hurt, then thy cut him. Good at coverage but doesn’t get a lot of picks. Same age as Lindley.

    Since Hughes is the backup slot corner, McLane could be guessing wrong.

  47. 47 iskar36 said at 3:38 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I hope he is wrong about Hughes. With Hanson gone, I do think it would be nice to have someone who can backup Boykins in the slot. Seems to me that Hughes would be the best option right now.

  48. 48 A_T_G said at 4:21 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    If they trade Hughes, maybe they bring back Hanson?

  49. 49 iskar36 said at 5:02 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    It’s possible, but I doubt they cut Hanson already if the plan the entire time was to trade Hughes and keep Hanson.

  50. 50 A_T_G said at 5:11 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Unless they want to make sure other teams don’t think we are willing to part with him easily…

  51. 51 TommyLawlor said at 3:40 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    This looks like the one spot I was wrong. And I’m man enough to admit…nothing!!! the Eagles did this just to keep me from being perfect. Jerks. Kafka Forever, Edwards Never!!! Kafka Forever, Edwards Never!!!

  52. 52 Arby1 said at 6:07 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    That’s OK, you can’t get ’em all. Besides, you got me on the Hanson cut.

  53. 53 Sam Lynch said at 4:10 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Colt will NOT be put on PUP, per Roob.

  54. 54 RC5000 said at 4:34 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Jeff McLane ‏@Jeff_McLane
    #EaglesEagles about to make Mike Kafka release official.

  55. 55 ian_no_2 said at 5:18 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    another factor: cutting Dixon and/ or Tapp would not create any dead money, saving $2.575M for Tapp and $1.927 for Dixon. If indeed they’re out of cap room, it’s hard to justify keeping Dixon’s salary. They may be trying to trade him.

  56. 56 ICDogg said at 8:50 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    And I think they’re still trying to trade Tapp as well. But he might actually get something in return.

  57. 57 iskar36 said at 5:42 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    The punter situation seems odd. You would think it wouldn’t take this long to cut one of the punters officially. I forget who posted it, but someone mentioned that the Eagles could be working out an injury settlement with McBriar. Could that be true? Would they be on the hook for McBriar’s pre-existing injury?

  58. 58 Todd B. said at 6:24 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Maybe they are trying to keep both….

  59. 59 ian_no_2 said at 6:31 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Former Eagles UDFA SS Reshard Langford cut loose by Lions. Played well in preseason for Eagles, played in about a dozen and a half games for Chiefs and Lions.

  60. 60 Matthew Verhoog said at 6:35 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Just announced, Kafka is gone.

  61. 61 ICDogg said at 8:45 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    They ran out of Kafkaesque puns.

  62. 62 Mark823 said at 6:53 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Wow Kafka gone, I wouldn’t have expected that.

  63. 63 ian_no_2 said at 7:36 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    They could also get to 53 by putting Matthews on Designated to Return IR. They have til Sept 4 to designate someone. Also, they may be holding on to Dixon and Tapp til then to see if they can swing a trade, or else cut one or both to get under the cap, which is required on the 4th, or to avoid guaranteeing the salary, which I think kicks in then.

  64. 64 Todd B. said at 7:53 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I imagine they would put Peters on that list.

  65. 65 Anders said at 7:58 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    why would they waste Peters on that when he is on NFI? He can train with the team from week 6 and have to be activated or IR’d by week 9.

  66. 66 Todd B. said at 8:11 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I guess I am not familiar with the rules yet… I assumed by placing Peters on that list, it would give Peter’s injury a little more time to heal. He might not be ready by week 9.

  67. 67 Anders said at 8:17 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    The NFI is the same as the PUP, for players there carry injuries over from last season and havnt (Graham last season) or sustain a non football injury (both Patterson and Peters). A player can not be placed on the PUP or NFI if they have been part of TC.

  68. 68 ian_no_2 said at 8:32 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Dixon’s a goner to get to 53. No way they were going to carry that salary when cutting him brings no cap hit.

  69. 69 Matthew Verhoog said at 8:03 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    This we knew for a week but Mcbrair is officially released as well down to 54

  70. 70 ACViking said at 8:20 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    T-LAW:

    You WILL see B-Graham lined up at DT on passing downs this season.

    In the wide-9, I think — much more so than when he was a rookie — Graham’s short-area quickness will be a great asset.

    He’s quick on the outside, too. But not as quick as Babin, Cole, or Hunt.

    I think it’d be a great fit.

  71. 71 ICDogg said at 8:45 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I think so too.

  72. 72 the guy said at 8:32 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Great roster.

    Who are they putting in on obvious running plays?

  73. 73 ICDogg said at 8:41 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Knowing the Eagles, probably four receivers

  74. 74 ICDogg said at 9:09 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    but seriously, as long as they have both Brown and Polk this year, Polk will be the activated player, and Brown inactive.

  75. 75 the guy said at 9:34 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I mean on the defensive line.

    Landri is under 300 pounds, Patterson is out, Jenkins is a pass rusher, and Cox/Thornton have no NFL experience.

  76. 76 ICDogg said at 9:45 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Ah. I think they would use Jenkins, Thornton, Landri, and Graham.

  77. 77 E_P said at 10:30 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Don’t be so sue of yourself. Brown has been ahead of Polk since the day he was drafted. In April, I would have agreed with you, but not now.

  78. 78 ICDogg said at 12:03 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    Only one reason I think so… he still can’t block well. When he gets that down, he’ll be a force. But until he does he probably won’t be activated.

  79. 79 E_P said at 10:30 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Don’t be so sure of yourself. Brown has been ahead of Polk since the day he was drafted. In April, I would have agreed with you, but not now.

  80. 80 iskar36 said at 12:05 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    I think Brown has the much better upside and eventually could develop into a great starting RB, but I do wonder how the Eagles will view Brown’s blocking skills (or lack there of) in terms of playing time this year. On running downs, it is not an issue other than it can make a run more obvious, but on passing downs, I wonder if they would feel comfortable with Brown on the field. If not, that may limit how much they use Brown this season.

  81. 81 Arby1 said at 8:33 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Antonio Dixon has been cut and we’re down to 53.

    I said Trent Edwards would make the team, he did.I suggested very early on that both Brown and Polk could make the team, they did (although I also suggested in lieu of Havili who also made the team).I said Darryl Tapp would make the team, he did.My big miss was in saying Hanson would make the team.

    Guess I wasn’t jumping the gun after all….

  82. 82 ICDogg said at 8:44 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Hall was the new Mahe. Polk is the new Hall. The universe is in equilibrium tonight.

  83. 83 Arby1 said at 8:52 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Although I wonder if this is a fleeting success and Polk is only here for a few days…

  84. 84 ICDogg said at 9:06 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Possible. Tapp more likely; if only because of his salary

  85. 85 RC5000 said at 11:33 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    well could possibly but you have 6 inactives and PS so I keep the talent if I can and Havili could even get the ax….now a few weeks into season injuries can change things including RB.

  86. 86 Arby1 said at 8:55 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    I did want McBriar too since it seemed he won the punting battle. I know the holding was an issue but could have been remedied by substituting someone else with good hands like Avant. I hope this doesn’t come back to haunt them.

  87. 87 Arby1 said at 9:04 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    And the miracle that is twitter, has Reuben Frank replying to someone else on this issue: ” Reuben Frank ‏@RoobCSN
    12 punts & 8 inside 20 & 6 inside 11 RT @zmansection224 I thought chas Henry was below avg at best. Was he really better than Mcbriar?”

  88. 88 RC5000 said at 12:04 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    Tapp isn’t a lock yet You have a week to wait there because salaries are guaranteed next Saturday at least per NFL Network. So they could decide they don’t want to be locked in on Tapp.

  89. 89 ICDogg said at 12:17 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    looks like they renegotiated Tapp’s salary

  90. 90 RC5000 said at 1:41 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    great thanks

  91. 91 Septhinox said at 9:20 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    Eagles just acquired S David Sims from the Cleveland Browns.

  92. 92 Corry Henry said at 9:31 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    It’s still early, and there’s probably more moves to come, but I never thought I’d see the day when an Andy Reid roster has 5 backs and only 8 offensive linemen.

  93. 93 ICDogg said at 12:15 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    Maybe they’ll borrow a play or two from when Vick was on the Falcons with Duckett and Dunn

  94. 94 ian_no_2 said at 10:34 PM on August 31st, 2012:

    SS David Sims: The Eagles have had a good experience with Damaris Johnson so they went looking for another short guy who was convicted of consumer fraud (Lurie specified that he be acquired after the players visited his house), and like Bryce Brown he was a top high school recruit who had problems that relegated him to a lower profile program.

    If you’re wondering whether he’s related to Ernie, he keeps up the Sims tradition of repeatedly biting on play fakes.

    But supposedly he was the talk of Jauron, Heckert and Shurmer and company this summer and it somehow got to the Eagles’ grapevine. And he has a much better chance of leaking the playbook for opening day than the conditional draft picks which tell no tales.

    He gets a lot of picks and is a good hitter at SS. No question he has upside, tho I’d be inclined to think that Philip S. Thomas would play the defensive schemes better in September.

  95. 95 ICDogg said at 12:10 AM on September 1st, 2012:

    Cleveland fans tell me he has a nose for the ball. But I imagine he’s going to be a project.