Anthony DiBona
I’m deeply saddened to announce that “Tebow Time” is officially over in the City of Brotherly Love. Although many of us thought his roster spot was safe once Matt Barkley was traded, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Howard Eskin reported that Tebow would likely be released earlier today.
But the sad reality of it all came crashing down at 12:18 PM today when ESPN insider Adam Schefter shared this tweet:
Eagles released QB Tim Tebow, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
In all seriousness, this move isn’t the end of the world, by any means. There are plenty of quarterbacks that have been waived that would be a better third quarterback than both Tebow and Barkley. I’m looking at you Josh Johnson, Thad Lewis, etc. But could Chip Kelly have some more moves up his sleeve? It sounds like that may be the case.
With names like E.J. Manuel and Robert Griffin III being tossed around as potential trade or release candidates, the Eagles will likely be interested. They’ve been linked to Griffin by multiple reporters and they apparently loved Manuel during the draft process prior to the 2013 NFL Draft.
But Howard Eskin also sent out this tweet that Philadelphia’s search for a third quarterback could end on the waiver wire.
For all Eagles fans that are worried team only has 2 QBs Chip Kelly I'm told will find 1 on waiver wire 2b on practice squad or 3rd string
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) September 5, 2015
Which means a player such as Johnson or Lewis would be a much more likely option. It would make sense to keep just two quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster, as it would free up a spot for depth at other positions. Yet Kelly would have to make sure he has a competent option at quarterback on their practice squad. So it’s worth keeping an eye on all of the other quarterbacks that will be released by today’s 4:00 PM EST deadline.
UPDATE (12:47 PM): Eagles release Jaylen Watkins, according to Eliot-Shorr Parks of NJ.com.
#Eagles have released Jaylen Watkins, per source
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) September 5, 2015
UPDATE (12:58 PM): Eagles release Jeff Maehl with an injury settlement, according to Field Yates of ESPN.
Source: the Eagles will be releasing WR Jeff Maehl with an injury settlement.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 5, 2015
UPDATE (1:08 PM): Eagles are interested in veteran quarterback Christian Ponder, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com.
Multiple sources tell me the #Eagles have interest in Christian Ponder. Team always maintained it's about putting together "the best 53".
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) September 5, 2015
UPDATE (1:29 PM): The Eagles have officially cut their roster down to 52 players, they’re still searching for a third quarterback to fill that final spot or sign with their practice squad.
#Eagles make 22 roster moves on the road to #Eagles53: http://t.co/AIXLuxbPYZ pic.twitter.com/y7REOxlIIm
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 5, 2015
UPDATE: Chip Kelly held a press conference earlier today to address the media and answer questions regarding the team’s final cuts down to 52 players.