NFL Roster Cuts 2014: Four Eagles players claimed on waivers compared to none in 2013

There are signs that the Philadelphia Eagles' roster depth is improving.

When the Eagles were required to trim their roster down to the 75-man limit last summer, not a single one of the players the team released was claimed by another team. Here's what Bleeding Green Nation's Mike Kaye wrote at the time:

When you are projected to be a bad team, no one wants your leftovers. The Eagles are not expected to be a playoff team by most media pundits and their depth is clearly a reflection of that. [...]

In contrast to the Eagles, successful squads like the Packers, 49ers and Seahawks all had rejected former players claimed off of waivers. While the Eagles seem to be on the rise from their lowly 2012 season, it seems the league is not enamored by their talent. The team will tell you that letting go of players is hard, but clearly the riddance are good for the Eagles' first bunch of cut.

Here's a complete list of those players.

• TE Derek Carrier
• DE Eddie McClam
• WR Nick Miller
• S Kenny Phillips
• T Nic Purcell
• DE/OL Isaac Remington
• TE Will Shaw
• DT Daryell Walker
• CB Eddie Whitley (waived/injured)
• LS James Winchester
• P Brad Wing
• ILB Jamar Chaney
• OLB Phillip Hunt (waived/injured)

More than half of those players aren't even in the NFL at all anymore.

Now, in 2014, the Eagles' first cuts seem to be more desirable. Four of the 14 players that the Eagles released on Saturday, August 23rd have already been claimed by other teams. Those players include:

• TE Emil Igwenagu (Lions)
• DE Joe Kruger (Chargers)
• OG Donald Hawkins (Browns)
  
• OG Karim Barton (Browns)

While they weren't actually claimed, I would also think players like linebacker Jake Knott (suspended first four games) and wide receiver B.J. Cunningham will be able to find jobs again.

In any case, this could be a sign that the Eagles' depth is improving. Or maybe other teams are just trying to steal Chip Kelly's secrets...