Philadelphia Eagles cut 2016 draft pick

The Philadelphia Eagles waived linebacker Joe Walker, according to an official announcement from the team.

Walker was released in order to make room for linebacker D.J. Alexander on the 53-man roster. The Eagles claimed Alexander off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday (read more about Alexander here).

The Eagles originally selected Walker late in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The Oregon Ducks alumnus was showing some positive signs as a rookie before suffering an ACL injury in the preseason.

Walker returned to health as the Eagles’ backup middle linebacker in 2017. He logged four tackles and one pass defensed in 12 games played (four starts). Walker was originally filling in for Jordan Hicks in the Eagles’ base defense but then he got hurt and was replaced by veteran Dannell Ellerbe. Walker ended the season on injured reserve once again. Walker did receive the Ed Block Courage Award based on voting from his teammates.

Heading into 2018, Walker was clearly on the roster bubble. He inexplicably saw some first team reps during practice at times but he never really stood out in a good way. And now he’s gone.

Walker is subject to waivers. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent if no one claims him.

The Eagles are probably better off with Alexander, who is a proven special teams ace.

With Walker gone and Alexander in, here’s an update on the Eagles’ linebackers currently being carried on the 53-man roster: Jordan Hicks, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nate Gerry, LaRoy Reynolds, Alexander. Nigel Bradham will rejoin the team on Friday after serving his one-game suspension. Philadelphia will have to open a roster spot for him.