Report: Eagles cut Orlando Scandrick but he could be returning soon

The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing 32-year-old cornerback Orlando Scandrick, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

But just because he’s gone now doesn’t mean he won’t be coming back.

As Rapoport notes, the Eagles could easily re-sign Scandrick leading up to Week 2. Philadelphia’s motivation to keep Scandrick off the Week 1 roster has to do with preventing his 2019 salary from being fully guaranteed since he’s a vested veteran (four or more years of NFL experience).

I toyed with leaving Scandrick off my 53-man roster prediction but ultimately kept him on due to the Eagles’ uncertainty at cornerback. If Ronald Darby can’t play Week 1, the Eagles would likely be down to just Sidney Jones, Avonte Maddox, and Rasul Douglas as their healthy corners. Cutting Scandrick seems to indicate Darby WILL be ready for Week 1.

Bringing back Scandrick in Week 2 would give the Eagles more depth at cornerback and especially in the slot. Cre’Von LeBlanc was originally set to be the team’s backup nickel corner before suffering a foot injury early in training camp. It seems like the Eagles might place Strap on injured reserve with the possibility of activating him after Week 8. The Eagles will also be able to bring Jalen Mills back from the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list as soon as Week 7.

Scandrick likely won’t be needed on the roster anymore if/when the Eagles activate Mills and/or LeBlanc. So, it only makes sense the Eagles didn’t want to guarantee Scandrick’s 2019 salary if they plan on cutting him at some point.