Eagles Put Two Defenders on Notice With New Signing After Preseason Opener

The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up their first preseason contest on Friday night, defeating the Baltimore Ravens, 16-13. 

With the first game in the books, the Eagles can begin to evaluate their 90-man roster and work on pairing it down to 53 players by the end of the month. However, head coach Nick Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman aren’t waiting to address certain positions as they made an intriguing signing in the secondary. 

According to Zach Berman of PHLY, Philly signed safety Caden Sterns and released linebacker Shaquille Quarterman. As Berman pointed out, Sterns is reunited with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive backs coach Christian Parker, who were all in Denver.

The young safety was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers earlier this week after being released by the Denver Broncos. However, the Panthers waived the young safety with a failed physical designation.

The addition of Sterns to the Eagles’ 90-man roster, potentially puts safeties Andre’ Sam (UDFA) and Tristin McCollum on the roster bubble. Sam played 22 snaps (19 on defense) Friday night, while McCollum played 38 (32 on defense).

McCollum also posted five total tackles and a tackle for loss, while Sam had three total tackles.

However, for Sterns to beat out Sam and McCollum for a roster spot, he must show that he can stay healthy. Last season with the Denver Broncos, Sterns only played one game due to a torn patellar tendon.

In three seasons with the Broncos, the 6-foot-1 safety posted 49 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, four interceptions, and two sacks. Nonetheless, the Eagles hope Sterns can help elevate the secondary and become a quality backup to CJ Gardner-Johnson, who is dealing with a shoulder injury.

More Eagles news and analysis: