NFL Roster Cuts: Eagles release 21 players to get to 53-man limit

The Philadelphia Eagles officially released 21 players on Saturday afternoon in order to cut down to the 53-man limit. Here's the entire list.

QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson
LB Don Cherry
S Blake Countess
DT Bruce Gaston
LB Quentin Gause
LB Najee Goode
G Darrell Greene
WR Marcus Johnson
C/G Barrett Jones
WR Cayleb Jones
RB Byron Marshall
TE M.J. McFarland
DE Jake Metz
RB Cedric O’Neal
TE Chris Pantale
K Cody Parkey
S Ed Reynolds
CB JaCorey Shepherd
DT Aziz Shittu
LB Myke Tavarres
WR David Watford

A few quick thoughts:

• Notable players who made the roster include four UDFAs: WR Paul Turner, CB C.J. Smith, DT Destiny Vaeao, and OL/TE/FB Dillon Gordon. The Eagles also kept Eric Rowe, who has reportedly been on the trade block.

• Goode is the most surprising cut. Most assumed the veteran linebacker was the Eagles' top backup on the outside. Philadelphia is currently only carrying four linebackers on their 53-man roster: Jordan Hicks, Nigel Bradham, Mychal Kendricks, and Stephen Tulloch. The Eagles must have something in the works.

• With Bethel-Thompson gone and Sam Bradford traded, the Eagles only have two quarterbacks under contract: Carson Wentz and Chase Daniel. Watford could be signed to the practice squad as a scout team QB.

• Sturgis over Parkey is no surprise. Sturgis has been the better kicker all offseason.

• Just because the Eagles trimmed down to 53 doesn't mean the cuts are over yet. Expect Howie Roseman to continue to churn the bottom of the roster. The Eagles could be looking for more help at several positions, including linebacker.