Eagles cut tracker, latest moves as NFL trims to 53-man roster

PHILADELPHIA − The process is beginning where the Eagles are cutting their roster from 90 players down to 53 by the NFL mandated deadline of 6 p.m. on Aug. 30.

Some of those cuts are beginning Aug. 29. But it's more than just cutting players. There are possible trades as teams try to move a surplus at one position in exchange for needed depth at another.

For the Eagles, that could involve trading one of their backup quarterback candidates in Tanner McKee or Andy Dalton. It could even involve trading a linebacker, perhaps Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who's good enough to start for many teams. After all, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio called that position the deepest on the defense.

Either way, the Eagles need to pare down the roster by 37 players. They have had a full training camp, with two joint practices against the Patriots, and three preseason games to make their evaluations.

Check out the highlights from Eagles-Ravens preseason Week 1 game

Some of the decisions will be difficult.

It's not necessarily the best 53 players who'll make the roster. After all, it's possible that football newbies Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru, both signed through the International Player Pathway program, will make the roster even though they never played organized football before this summer.

But the Eagles might have to keep them because they could get claimed on waivers if not. That, in turn, will affect some other players, such as a veteran like wide receiver Elijah Moore.

The Delaware News Journal is providing live updates as the Eagles form their initial 53-man roster. Follow along here for all the latest news and analysis:

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.