Philadelphia, PA – July 1, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with five players after their mandatory minicamp, sources told ESPN, clearing roster space to integrate their 2025 rookie class and bolster Jalen Hurts’s Super Bowl pursuit. The cuts, announced Monday, include cornerback Darius Slay (released March 12, not during minicamp), wide receiver Britain Covey, linebacker Shaun Bradley, offensive lineman Nick Gates, and tight end Grant Calcaterra, freeing approximately $8.1 million in cap space, per Spotrac, as GM Howie Roseman prioritizes youth.
"We’re building a championship roster," Roseman told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “These moves create opportunities for our rookies to step up alongside Jalen.” The overhaul signals confidence in draft picks like cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., per ESPN.
Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, was released on March 12 to make room for emerging talents like Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, marking the beginning of a youth movement. Post-minicamp, Britain Covey, the NFL’s 2024 punt return yardage leader, struggled to carve out an offensive role and was waived to accommodate versatile playmakers like Ainias Smith. Bradley and Gates, both in contract years, were outshined by rookies like Trotter Jr. and second-year lineman Tyler Steen. Calcaterra, primarily special teams, fell behind rookie TE Brady Hunt and undrafted CJ Dippre in the tight end rotation.
With $5.9 million cap space remaining, Philadelphia’s rookie class—highlighted by Mitchell, Trotter Jr., and DeJean—is well-positioned to defend their NFC East crown and mount a Super Bowl run. These cuts underscore Roseman’s continuing trust in Hurts’s leadership and the franchise’s long-term youth investment.
As training camp approaches, these moves sharpen Philadelphia’s 2025 title chase. Will the rookies rise to the challenge? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates on the Eagles’ bold roster reshape!
