The Philadelphia Eagles are already waiving at least two of their eight picks from the 2026 NFL Draft. Seriously, it’s a gut punch for those guys who just thought they made it. Reports dropped Saturday that seventh-round pick Cole Wisniewski was cut, and then Sunday brought more news: fellow seventh-rounder Keyshawn James-Newby, or KJN as he’s known, also got the axe. This isn’t just some casual move either; it’s a stark reminder of how quickly dreams can evaporate in this league when the pressure is on and every single roster spot is under intense scrutiny.
Injuries Derail Rookie Dreams
Look, neither of these cuts came as some massive shocker, but that doesn’t make it any less brutal for the players. The biggest problem for both Wisniewski and KJN? Injury issues. They both missed a ton of crucial practice time this offseason, and that’s just a death sentence for late-round guys trying to prove their worth. You gotta be on the field, showing out, making plays, especially when you’re a seventh-round pick battling for a spot. They simply weren’t able to make a strong enough case for the Eagles to keep them on that 53-man roster. KJN did manage to show “a couple flashes” over the past week, according to reports, but by then it was already “too little, too late.” Those fleeting moments just couldn’t outweigh all that missed time and the lack of sustained impact. It’s a tough lesson in the NFL: availability is just as important as ability, especially when every rep counts for your career.
The Fight for the Roster Continues
So, what’s next for these guys? The expectation is that both Wisniewski and KJN will clear waivers, which seems pretty likely for seventh-rounders who’ve been sidelined. If that happens, the Eagles will probably try to sign them to their 16-player practice squad. It’s not the active roster, but it’s a chance to stay in the building, heal up, and maybe get another shot down the line. But make no mistake, this is far from the end of the roster drama. More cuts are absolutely coming, that’s just how the NFL works this time of year. For now, six of the Eagles’ 2026 draft picks are still hanging tough 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. Plus, there’s still a shot for undrafted rookie free agents to make the squad. Joshua Weru is definitely a contender, particularly with KJN now out of the picture. Every single one of those guys is fighting for their future, knowing that the chopping block is still very much in play. It’s an intense time, no doubt about it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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