The Philadelphia Eagles roster cuts brought few surprise moves, with the franchise playing it safe, building out the depth chart. If there was one failing defender who made a late case, it was safety Lewis Cine, who had a nice interception in the preseason finale. Cine had dealt with injuries throughout camp and wasn't able to put his best foot forward. It turned up the pressure on the defensive back to find a way to make a splash in the final game of the preseason.
Cine did exactly that creating a turnover and giving a solid effort in the summer finale. However, it wasn't enough to earn a roster spot with more proven options having far more compelling cases. Cine was released and became a rare Georgia Bulldog alum that didn't work out well for Philly.
Still, there is reason to wonder if a fit could be found on the practice squad or another roster looking for depth. The Falcons stand out as a possibility starting the regular season with only three safeties on the current roster. One is a rookie and another coming off missing the entire 2024 season. A return to Georgia could be in the cards for the defender.
Thank you Philly for everything
— Lewis Cine (@LewisCineHOF) August 26, 2025
Former Eagles Defender Chooses Class in Expected Exit
Despite the frustration Cine took the time to tweet out a thank you to the organization for the time and opportunity. It is a classy move for a player that has endured a frustrating path after a promising college career. While the opportunities haven't dried up just yet, there isn't any questioning we are far closer to the end of the road than a season ago.
Cine's consistent inability to stick on an NFL roster has been noticed and left the former first-rounder's market very limited. It seems either a depth role or landing with on a practice squad are the best bets of his career continuing. As frustrating as this might be, it is the reality of a league that no longer shows patience with its defenders.
If you're not making an instant impact the page will be turned, replacing you with someone who will. This is one of the bigger changes in the modern game that has left little margin for error for young prospects. It has been a lesson Cine has continued to learn as the defender's market continues to grow more and more limited.