After watching the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders battle in a meaningless Christmas game, it seems the Philadelphia Eagles contingent would breathe sighs of relief. Things may not be perfect with the NFC East champs, but at least this team isn’t Dallas or Washington. It would seem that thought would foster a more positive outlook.
But, alas, this is Philadelphia, or ‘Negadelphia’ as some would say. It’s easier to be fearful of what isn’t working than to celebrate what is. This team has won back-to-back division titles, and the more intriguing conversations are about what’s wrong with Jake Elliott.
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Philadelphia’s once-reliable placekicker now feels like a liability, but it’s too late in the game to replace him. Besides, who are the Eagles going to sign who’s better in Week 17?
So, while there are question marks, it seems too early to place Elliott under the ‘expendable’ umbrella. There are, however, a handful of Birds who seem fitting of wearing that label.
Jakorian Bennett, cornerback
The Eagles traded for Jakorian Bennett before the regular season began. They traded for Michael Carter II as the trade deadline neared.
They may not have traded for Carter had Bennett done his job a little better. Still, Carter hasn’t played much since his arrival.
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41 defensive snaps and another 53 on special teams are the extent of his production in the six games he has played in since his arrival. Still, that’s still more work than we have seen from Bennett, 29 defensive snaps and 47 on special teams. There appears to be no reason to retain Bennett beyond the current campaign.
Sam Howell, quarterback
This is Jalen Hurts’ team. There are no ifs, ands, or buts. The entrenched backup is Tanner McKee. There have been discussions, mostly by the media, radio, and the fans, that Philadelphia should dangle McKee as trade bait, but it seems unlikely that the Eagles would part with him unless they receive enormous value.
Long story short, Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman know the importance of a capable backup even if no one else does. It seems unlikely that teams would offer Philadelphia what they want in an exchange for their QB2.
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Howell is another story, though. His market seems very slim. He also seems like a waste of a roster spot. No one would bat an eyelash if he were gone next March at the beginning of the 2026 NFL year.
A.J. Dillon, running back
Raise your hand if you forget that A.J. Dillon is on the roster sometimes. Yep. That’s what we thought. ‘Quadzilla’ was supposed to absorb some of the tough runs and take some of the edge off Saquon Barkley.
Instead, the Eagles found a better tailback, Tank Bigsby, one they dealt two future draft picks to acquire. Throw in Will Shipley, and the offense has a nice trio that makes Dillon super expendable.
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Josh Uche, EDGE
Josh Uche is another of those guys who are easy to forget about. He was one of the gambles of the offseason, a placeholder until Nolan Smith made his return.
Brandon Graham returned, and despite unexpected retirements and season-ending injuries, Uche can’t climb the depth chart. That isn’t a good thing when you are signed to a one-year deal.
Grant Calcaterra, tight end
Grant Calcaterra is already a success story. He earned that nod after returning from early retirement. We kept our fingers crossed that he was past the head injuries, and he is. Still, this coaching staff has never been able to find the best ways to use him and do so consistently.
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Signs suggest that Calcaterra needs a fresh start somewhere else. Dallas Goedert has played like a priority offseason signing.
There are question marks about the tight end position. None will be answered until the offseason, but the answer to this one seems obvious. Calcaterra and the Eagles seem to be at the end of a working relationship that hasn’t produced what either party has expected.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 5 Eagles players who almost certainly won’t be on the roster in 2026