Eagles Make Surprise Cut Ahead of First Preseason Game

The Philadelphia Eagles start their preseason on Friday as they take on the Baltimore Ravens. In the first of three preseason games before the 2024 NFL season, head coach Nick Sirianni will have a chance to evaluate his players and finalize the 53-man roster. With that objective in mind, the Eagles continue to make roster moves to ensure they have the optimal roster for next season.

Earlier on Monday, the Eagles signed linebacker and special teamer Shaquille Quarterman. Further details reveal that Philadelphia had to release offensive lineman Jason Poe to create space for Quarterman.

Eagles News: Philadelphia Releases Offensive Lineman Jason Poe

Poe had signed a reserve/future contract with the Philadelphia Eagles after the conclusion of the 2023 season. The 26-year-old guard/center spent the first two seasons of his NFL career on the 49ers and the Jets practice squads after going undrafted out of Mercer in the 2022 NFL Draft. His undersized stature at 6-foot-1 for a lineman was considered a big disadvantage for his pro career and that has proved to be the case so far.

The Eagles revamped their offensive line this offseason with Philly legend Jason Kelce retiring. Cam Jurgens is slated to be the starting center with Tyler Steen expected to move to right guard. Mekhi Becton was added as veteran depth behind them but Philadelphia's offensive line rotation is not as strong as it has been in previous years.

That's why Jason Poe could have had a chance to crack the 53-man roster in a position of need. Instead, the Eagles surprisingly chose to add a veteran linebacker in Quarterman to an already loaded defensive rotation. We will find out whether this will end up mattering at all when the 53-man roster is finalized.

More Eagles news and rumors: