Eagles cut 19, including Hanson
The Eagles announced that they have released 19 players to get their roster down to 56. They have until 9 p.m. today to cut three more players to get to the league-mandated number of 53.
Eagles cut 19, including Hanson
Jeff McLane
The Eagles announced that they have released 19 players to get their roster down to 56. They have until 9 p.m. today to cut three more players to get to the league-mandated number of 53.
The following players were told of their release today:
Cornerback Joselio Hanson, safety O.J. Atogwe, linebacker Keenan Clayton, wide receiver Chad Hall, wide receiver Marvin McNutt, center/guard Steve Vallos, wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, safety Phillip Thomas, guard Brandon Washington, tight end Brett Brackett, linebacker Ryan Rau, fullback Emil Igwenagu, tight end Chase Ford, defensive tackle Frank Trotter, defensive end Monte Taylor, defensive tackle Ollie Ogbu, linebacker Adrian Moten, tackle D.J. Jones and defensive tackle Landon Cohen.
Hanson' release means that rookie Brandon Boykin has won the first team nickel cornerback spot. With Vallos gone, Julian Vandervelde and Dallas Reynolds will be the Eagles' backup interior linemen -- for now. Stanely Havili, as expected, will be the Eagles fullback with Emil Igwenagu no longer in the picture.
Atogwe appeared to have a spot locked up, but he battled a hamstring injury and did not make the cut. Safety Jaiquawn Jarrett appears to have lasted.
Several young players could wind up on the practice squad if they clear waivers: McNutt, Thomas, Washington, Brackett, Rau, Ford and Taylor are the most likely candidates. McNutt and Washington were drafted in the sixth round of this year's draft.
There are still a number of players that should not breath easy. Defensive end Darryl Tapp, defensive tackle Antonio Dixon and either quarterback -- Trent Edwards or Mike Kafka -- could be released or traded today.
FROM EARLIER:
The Eagles are expected to release cornerback Joselio Hanson, according to two NFL sources.
Adam Caplan of the sidelineview.com first reported that the Eagles were going to part with their long-time slot corner.
Hanson played with the first team nickel defense through all of the preseason, but rookie Brandon Boykin had narrowed the gap in the competition, Eagles coach Andy Reid recently said.
The 31-year-old Hanson was released last season as the Eagles trimmed their roster to 53 only to be brought back a few days later at a lower salary. It does not appear that the Eagles plan to take the same course this year. Boykin was drafted to be the slot cornerback and now the job is his.
Hanson's release could be good news for Brandon Hughes, who is on the roster bubble. Hughes is more versatile that Hanson because he can play on the outside and on special teams.
The Eagles have until 9 p.m. tonight to trim their roster to 53.
They also waived wide receivers Chad Hall and Mardy Gilyard, according to league sources. Hall still has practice squad eligibility and could return to the Eagles in that capacity. Hall lost some of his uniqueness when undrafted rookie Damaris Johnson came aboard. Gilyard is a vested veteran.
The Eagles also released tight end Brett Brackett. The former Penn State product was a long shot to make the team. Brackett, who spent part of last year on the Eagles' practice squad, could return in that role.
In addition, the Eagles released linebacker Keenan Clayton and tight end Chase Ford. Clayton, a 2010 fourth-round pick, was in competition for the final linebacker spot. Ford, an undrafted player, is eligible for the practice squad.
More cuts are coming.
Follow Jeff McLane and Zach Berman on Twitter for all the latest Eagles roster updates.
WATCH THE WEASEL GINTS AND/OR EVEN BIGGER WEASEL SKINS PUT IN CLAIMS FOR HANSON.— bedpan- Glad to see Boykin get the nod at nickel CB. He is a playmaker and his physicality is underrated.— Eagles_Nation
- Gilyard should land somewhere, I'm kinda surprised he got cut. He showed promise in the preseason games, he just got caught up in a numbers game at the WR postion.— philakilla
Hanson won't be unemployed for long. The Giants have a beat up secondary. I guess Gilyard wasn't eligible for the practice squad? I would have kept him around if so.— thegamepa- Love Mardy! Like them locks!— StewieLavin27
- Mardy Gilyard only outplayed McNutt by a landslide. I know it doesn't nmatter but McNutt doesn't even look to have an upside. Gilyard also can contribute on special teams.— UncleStosh
- He's got upside alright, probably more than Cooper did at this time in his career. Gilyard did out play him, but we invested a draft pick in McNutt. He's a project and a year on the practice squad will do him good. — colahead420
- I will cheer when CG25 gets cut.— tommy_the_k
- lol, sorry did I ruin your kool-aid...as for the topic Gilyard is too short and all you saw was preseason garbage against backups...and Marvin McNutt might ALSO be cut in the next few hours as they have to cut another 20 something guys. Niether of them are particularly good. Damaris Johnson isnt either, but at least can return punts so he will probably get the 5th WR spot.
- CG25 spot on as usual - "20 another something guys" So, let's see 56-53 = 20 something? Only in the mind of CG25! — gdibig
- lol, wow, great post gdbig. I wrote that in response to the "from earlier" article when they had only released the first 4 guys. Meaning 19 or about 20 were still about to be cut. And you didnt even quote me properly when its right there on screen, how can you get that wrong. Amazing.
- Burn...lol. — Mike Mays
- It's a mistake to let Hanson go. He was a solid player. Boykin better be ready to play. Julio, thanks for everything in Eagles green. You gave your all every play and you could see it. Wish you well.— Apollo Creed
- Gilyard is not PS eligible. Hall is. You have to be cut first to make practice squad though. Hanson out at CB isn't a huge surprise but its a little surprise. I guess its down to Lindley and Hughes— colahead420
- @thegamepa: Have to release guys first, and then they can be signed to the PS if no one claims them.— Only in Philly...
