Surprise Eagles Release Paves the Way for Reunion With Familiar Face
By Cem Yolbulan
On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles made some tough decisions to trim their training camp roster down to 53 players ahead of the new season. This means that plenty of potentially impactful players hit the waiver wire over the last 24 hours. There are more transactions on the horizon for GM Howie Roseman and one surprising release by the Eagles opens the door to the return of a familiar face.
Much to the surprise of Eagles fans, tight end E.J. Jenkins didn't make the cut yesterday. This means that Philadelphia only kept two tight ends on the roster; Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and McCallan Castles are on the IR list.
The Eagles could elevate someone from the practice squad to be their third tight end until Okwuegbunam returns. Or, they could play it safe and bring back former Eagle Jack Stoll, who the Giants just cut.
Eagles Waive TE E.J. Jenkins During Roster Cuts
The Eagles kept four tight ends on the roster last year. It's hard to see them starting the season with only two. Stoll is as good of an option as TE3 as any.
Stoll signed with the Giants earlier in the offseason after spending the first three seasons of his career in Philadelphia. An undrafted free agent out of Nebraska, Stoll established himself as a solid blocker in the 50 games he appeared for the Eagles. He hasn't had a major role as a playmaker, putting up 20 catches for 183 yards with no touchdowns but the Eagles wouldn't need him to do that anyway.
Whether he is an upgrade over Jenkins remains to be seen but Stoll knows this team and the Eagles know his strengths and weaknesses. It may be a smart move to bring him back rather than taking a risk on another tight end.