Eagles' Potential Trade, Cut Candidates After 2024 NFL Draft

General manager Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles went to work on renovating the roster this offseason after a disappointing finish to the 2023 campaign. That work continued with the 2024 NFL draft.

The Eagles were one of just two teams to earn an A+ grade for their haul in our draft grades put together by Kris Knox.

The draft added to the excitement for a renewed Eagles roster in 2024. After making some major moves in free agency they also brought in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the draft.

With a bunch of additions there is still the reality of cutting down the roster and managing the cap to deal with. The Eagles will eventually have to have their roster down to 53 players by Week 1 which means there are plenty of players who will be released or traded over the next few months.

Roseman has shown he's always open to wheeling and dealing. With a look at the team's depth, cap situation and player performance, here's a look at three players who could be cut or traded before the season starts.

CB James Bradberry

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James Bradberry

James Bradberry remains on the Eagles roster, but that has more to do with the team's cap situation than anything he did on the field last year.

Bradberry was a liability in 2023. After putting together an All-Pro campaign in 2022 he allowed a passer rating of 114.3 and 11 touchdowns when targeted. The dip in pass rush production certainly didn't help, but those numbers are scary for a cornerback who is entering his age-31 season.

The Eagles made it obvious they don't believe in Bradberry with their draft picks. Using their first two picks on a pair of cornerbacks signals a shift away from the duo of Darius Slay and Bradberry.

While Slay has played well enough to hold them off for another season, Bradberry hasn't.

The problem comes down to Bradberry's contract, though. The only way that they can save any money toward the 2024 salary cap is by trading him after June 1. Any other move would actually cost more against the cap than to keep him on the roster.

The good news is that there are teams who need help at corner who might be interested in the veteran. If the Eagles feel comfortable with starting Quinyon Mitchell or Cooper DeJean in Week 1 then they should be fielding calls for Bradberry starting June 1.

WR Britain Covey

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 07: Britain Covey #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 7, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Britain Covey has found a way to stick on the Eagles roster over the last two seasons. His kick and punt return abilities have seen him play in 33 of 34 regular season games.

That streak will be challenged this summer, though.

The Eagles put Covey on watch when they drafted Ainias Smith in the fifth round. Much like Covey, Smith is a bit undersized as a receiver. The 5'9", 190-pounder was actually utilized as a running back early in his Texas A&M career, but was an All-SEC selection as a return man.

Covey has already shown that he doesn't offer much as a receiver. He had six targets in 2023 and none in 2022.

Smith has the potential to become an auxiliary weapon in the Philadelphia offense. Here's B/R scout Derrik Klassen on what he brings to an offense:

"Smith checks a lot of boxes. He isn't elite at anything, but he has the quickness, yards-after-the-catch skills and catch-point toughness to contribute in the NFL. Smith would fit best in a horizontal passing offense that does not task him with blocking."

The Eagles slot position is still relatively open. They added Parris Campbell in free agency, but he's been injury prone throughout his career. If Smith can prove to be an asset there while offering some return potential, he might bump Covey off the roster.

LB Zack Baun

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Zack Baun

The Eagles targeted Zack Baun in free agency, signing the former New Orleans Saint to a one-year, $1.6 million contract.

That doesn't mean he's locked in to make the roster, though.

Going back to his days at Wisconsin, Baun has always been a bit of a tweener. He has the size of an off-ball linebacker but some of his best work comes when rushing the passer. It's a relatively unique skill set but it could also leave him as the least desirable option at multiple positions.

The Eagles invested in both positions through the draft. After signing Devin White and Oren Burks in free agency they drafted Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the fifth round. On the edge, they drafted Jalyx Hunt with a third-round pick in addition to signing Bryce Huff and Julian Okwara.

Roseman has prioritized depth up front and only carried three linebackers on the initial 53-man roster last season.

There's a lot of talent in the Eagles front seven. Baun is going to have to have a really good camp to prove that he belongs in the rotation and on the roster.