Eagles Waive Another 2026 Draft Pick: Keyshawn James-Newby Cut

As the Philadelphia Eagles trim their roster ahead of the 2026 regular season, the team has made another surprising—though not entirely unexpected—move. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Eagles waived seventh-round pick Keyshawn James-Newby, just one day after cutting fellow seventh-rounder Cole Wisniewski. The moves signal a tough reality for the team's 2026 draft class, as two of their eight selections have now been released before the season opener.

Injuries Derailed Their Chances

Both Wisniewski and James-Newby struggled to stay on the field during offseason workouts and training camp due to persistent injury issues. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the coaching staff had hoped to see significant development from these late-round picks, but the missed practice time proved insurmountable. James-Newby, a defensive end out of North Dakota State, showed flashes of potential in the final preseason games, but it was too little, too late to secure a roster spot.

"We appreciate the effort Keyshawn put in, but the injuries really set him back," a team source told Vulius. "He has the talent, but he needs to stay healthy to compete at this level."

Practice Squad Possibilities

Assuming both players clear waivers, which is likely given their limited exposure, the Eagles are expected to sign them to the 16-player practice squad. This would allow the team to continue developing their potential without occupying a valuable active roster spot. The Eagles have a history of stashing late-round picks on the practice squad, and both Wisniewski and James-Newby fit that profile.

With these cuts, the Eagles now have six remaining picks from the 2026 draft class still on the roster: wide receiver Makai Lemon, tight end Eli Stowers, offensive tackle Markel Bell, quarterback Cole Payton, offensive guard Micah Morris, and defensive tackle Uar Bernard. The team is also evaluating undrafted free agents, with defensive lineman Joshua Weru emerging as a strong candidate to make the 53-man roster, especially given James-Newby's departure.

Roster Depth and Future Outlook

The Eagles' roster decisions reflect a broader strategy of prioritizing health and immediate contribution over long-term potential. As the team prepares for the regular season, general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni are focused on building a deep, versatile squad capable of competing for a Super Bowl. The waiver wire will be active over the next few days, and the Eagles are expected to make additional moves to finalize their roster.

For fans, the cuts are a reminder that draft picks are not guaranteed roster spots, especially in the later rounds. The Eagles' front office has shown a willingness to move on from players who don't meet expectations, but they also remain committed to developing talent through the practice squad. As Vulius NFL Analysis Desk noted, the team's ability to identify and develop undrafted free agents has been a key factor in their recent success.

Stay tuned to Vulius for comprehensive coverage of the Eagles' roster moves, including analysis of the 53-man roster and practice squad as the season approaches.