Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has done an excellent job of restocking the roster this offseason. The defending NFC Champions lost both of their coordinators off the coaching staff and numerous key contributors, but once again look like true Super Bowl contenders.
Replacing that many people is never an easy task, but things are only going to get tougher for Roseman in the coming weeks. With training camp quickly approaching, he and his staff have to start thinking about how the Eagles’ roster will look heading into the regular season.
At this point in the offseason, teams are allowed to carry well over the 53-man maximum for the regular season. Eventually, those numbers will have to get cut down, which will lead to some very difficult decisions to be made when it comes to cuts.
For the Eagles, there aren’t many clear-cut candidates for release on the roster. This is a team vying for a Super Bowl and they want to keep as much of the band together as possible. That is why Quez Watkins has found himself as a potential surprise cut candidate.
Watkins looked like he cemented his status as a key part of the offense in 2021 when he caught 43 passes for 647 yards and one touchdown. But, he saw his role diminish in 2022 with the addition of A.J. Brown and Philadelphia brought in some competition for him this offseason.
Olamide Zaccheaus was signed away from the Atlanta Falcons and could have the inside track to the No. 3 wide receiver spot. Heading into a contract year and following a disappointing campaign, Watkins does make some sense as a cut candidate this offseason.
The next few weeks and early preseason games are going to be vastly important for Watkins. He could play himself into a regular role with the Eagles, or find himself on the chopping block and essentially auditioning for a job elsewhere in the league.
The 25-year-old burner can certainly help an offense with his deep ball and big play ability. If the Eagles can’t find a spot for him, another franchise certainly will.
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