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.
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.
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