:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49470101/usa-today-8729741.0.jpg)
The Philadelphia Eagles have released 24-year-old safety Jerome Couplin, according to an official announcement from the team. This cut was made to make room for the eight Eagles draft picks and undrafted rookie free agents on the 90 man roster.
The Eagles originally signed Couplin away from the Detroit Lions' practice squad late during the 2014 NFL season. The team liked his potential at the time. Couplin earned a spot as a backup safety on the Eagles' 2015 final roster by showing some promise during training camp and preseason in the summer. Couplin mainly played on special teams before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9. Couplin's injury history could have contributed to his release.
With Couplin gone, the Eagles have the remaining safeties on the roster: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Chris Maragos, Ed Reynolds, and Jalen Mills. Jenkins and McLeod are the starters. Maragos is a special teams ace. Reynolds and Mills will be competing for backup spots.