Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Strong among notable roster cuts

The Philadelphia Eagles have begun the arduous task of trimming their roster down to just 53 players. Seven players were waived as of the moment this is being written, including undrafted free agent QB Carson Strong.

Normally, a team parting ways with an undrafted player would be no grand surprise. In this case, however, there remains a touch of shock as the Eagles gave Strong more guaranteed money than any other undrafted free agent received this offseason.

In spite of this, the organization felt it best to approach the season without Strong on the 53-man roster.

The Philadelphia Eagles have waived Carson Strong, among six other players.

Coming into camp, it appeared that the rookie out of Nebraska would be the favorite for the QB3 spot. Perhaps he could have even been the direct backup to Jalen Hurts if current backup Gardner Minshew were to be traded away. However, as camp progressed, many found themselves asking, “where is Carson Strong?” The young player hardly made a noticeable appearance in the preseason or even practice, for that matter.

Strong appeared in two games, attempting just four throws for a grand total of six yards. It was certainly not an impressive stint by any means, but neither was what Reid Sinnett produced on the field. This isn’t to say that the Philadelphia Eagles chose Sinnett over Strong. The honest truth is that both quarterbacks may find themselves off the 53 as the team still needs to cut 20 more players.

Regardless of Sinnett’s future with the team, however, Carson Strong is now waiting for his next NFL calling. Teams have until 12:00 pm ET on Wednesday to claim a player waived from last Friday through the Tuesday deadline. Strong could certainly find himself with another suitor as early as Wednesday as he was a projected day 1/2 pick just a few months ago. If he is not claimed, however, expect Strong to remain in Philadelphia on the team’s practice squad.

Carson Strong played very little for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, suspiciously little. It’s almost as if he wasn’t afforded the opportunity to show what he could do, and the only logical reason for that would be because the Eagles think he can develop, but they do not wish to “waste” a roster spot on a developing QB3.

Had Strong enjoyed a solid or better camp, there would certainly be at least one team, if not more, lining up for a look once the Eagles released him. By denying him such an opportunity, Philadelphia increases its odds of bringing him back via the practice squad. Could such a move be considered a touch underhanded? Sure, but that’s NFL politics, baby. The Philadelphia Eagles have done and will continue to do what is best for the organization — minus the obvious Jason Peters exception.

Time will certainly tell what happens in the curious case of Carson Strong, but don’t be surprised if a return to Philadelphia is in his future.