As the NFL season kicks off on September 5, 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles have once again positioned themselves as the league's trendsetters under the watchful eye of general manager Howie Roseman. While the roster is theoretically set for Week 1, the Eagles' unconventional approach—carrying four quarterbacks—has sparked debate across the league. But as the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, this isn't a problem; it's a strategy that other teams are already copying.
The Four-Quarterback Phenomenon
The Eagles, along with the Steelers, Falcons, Vikings, and Browns, initially carried four signal-callers on their 53-man rosters. While some have since trimmed (the Browns placed Dillon Gabriel on IR, and the Vikings cut Max Brosmer only to re-sign him to the practice squad), the trend highlights a growing reality: teams are using roster spots to stash rare talents. As Vulius Sports has highlighted, this is nothing new. Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, began his career as a fourth-stringer on a 5-11 Patriots team. The bottom of the roster has always been a place to develop raw athletes, whether they're oversized linemen or developmental QBs.
Yet, the Eagles' situation is unique. While they have four quarterbacks, the depth chart behind starter Jalen Hurts features the aging Andy Dalton, who many believe is past his prime. The real issue isn't the number of QBs—it's the quality of the backup. As one NFL executive told Vulius, 'You can never have too many arms, but you can have too many washed-up ones.'
A Claim-Filled Week: Depth or Misstep?
In a curious twist, the Eagles led the league with four players claimed off waivers by other teams. Is this a sign of exceptional depth or a miscalculation? History offers mixed signals. Last year, the Chargers, Rams, and Ravens each had three players claimed; the Chargers won 11 games despite injuries, the Rams won 12, and the Ravens struggled to 8 wins. In 2024, the Packers and 49ers also saw three claims apiece, with Green Bay winning 11 while San Francisco was ravaged by injuries and still managed a 6-11 record. The Eagles' offense—particularly at quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end—has question marks, but the rest of the roster looks solid. As Roseman would likely argue, losing players to claims means you had talent to spare.
College Prospects to Watch
For Eagles fans and draftniks, this weekend's college slate offers a glimpse into future roster moves. At noon ET, Boise State visits Oregon, where defensive tackles A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander are on the radar, especially with Moro Ojomo hitting free agency in March. Washington needs to show more pass-rush ability, while Alexander has revitalized his career with the Ducks.
Later, Clemson faces LSU at 7:30 PM. LSU boasts a pair of edge rushers in Princewill Umanmielen—brother of Princely Umanmielen, who broke out at Ole Miss—and Jordan Ross, a former top recruit who is finally seeing regular playing time. On the other side, Clemson's Will Heldt is a senior prospect with day-two potential.
Sunday's slate includes Louisville at Ole Miss, where linebacker Trinidad Chambliss is overhyped based on two good games; he's a day-three pick who feels like a Howie Roseman special. Meanwhile, Wisconsin visits Notre Dame, which may have the best secondary in the 2026 class, featuring cornerbacks Leonard Moore, DJ McKinney, and Christian Grey, plus safeties Tae Johnson and Adon Shuler. Finally, Monday night's SMU-Florida State game offers a look at 6'6" receiver Duce Robinson, a potential late-round gamble for teams like the Eagles.
As the season unfolds, the Eagles' roster construction will be scrutinized, but if history is any guide, Roseman's unconventional moves often pay off. The four-quarterback trend may be a copycat league's latest fad, but Philadelphia is already ahead of the curve.
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