Eagles Sign Ex-Bucs OL, Cut Promising Young DE Before Matchup vs. Chiefs
The Philadelphia Eagles wasted no time reminding people how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
On September 9, the front office reshuffled the roster after trading for running back Tank Bigsby. The Eagles signed offensive lineman Jake Majors to the practice squad, also cutting ties with running back Montrell Johnson Jr.
There was also a bit of a gut punch: defensive tackle Gabe Hall, who had just fought his way onto the 53-man roster, was released after the addition of Bigsby.
The recent addition of Za’Darius Smith left the DEs room a tad too crowded, and Hall was the odd man out.
Gabe Hall Cut By Philadelphia Eagles in Slew of Roster Moves
An undrafted free agent out of Baylor last year, Hall spent 2024 on Philly’s practice squad. This summer, though, he impressed enough to make the team’s initial 53-man roster, a reward for months of quiet, thankless work.
He even got on the field in the season opener against Dallas, logging a handful of defensive and special teams snaps. It felt like the beginning of something, not the end. And then, just days later, he was let go.
Unfortunately, that’s the business side of football. Hall didn’t get cut because of a lack of effort or talent. The addition of Bigsby forced Philadelphia to create a spot, and the coaching staff and front office decided their best option was to let go of a developmental interior lineman rather than trim from somewhere else.
The Eagles also signed a veteran pass rusher in Smith earlier in the week, and while he didn’t directly bump Hall, his arrival reshaped the entire front-seven picture.
More on the Eagles’ Latest Roster Moves
Bigsby, who just came over in a trade from the Jaguars, should provide an immediate boost both as a runner and to the return game. The Eagles are trying to patch a few holes after Week 1, when backup RB Will Shipley fractured his ribs.
Smith will help an Eagles defensive end group that had zero sacks in Philadelphia’s Week 1 win over the Cowboys. Smith had 9.0 sacks and 17 QB hits last year, so he should be a big addition.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that [Executive Vice President/General Manager] Howie [Roseman] and his staff are constantly doing everything they can do to help improve this football team. I love that about Howie,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on September 8.
“Love his tenacity of just always doing what he can, doing his job to help this football team get better. … Excited about Za’Darius and what he can add.”
After the team’s recent slew of moves, Hall just happened to be the player left without a chair when the music stopped.
There’s still a chance the young DE will return, though. If he clears waivers, a spot on the practice squad feels like a natural fit, giving him another chance to keep developing in a system that clearly liked him enough to give him real snaps.
That doesn’t erase the disappointment of this week, but it does leave the door open for a second act. For now, though, his release is a reminder of how fragile roster success can be. One day you’re the underdog story who fought his way onto the 53; the next, you’re waiting for another opportunity.
Can't-Miss Play: Raiders’ Offense Ignites With Explosive Deep Connection in Preseason Showdown
The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense is sending shockwaves through the NFL preseason after a jaw-dropping display of arm strength and precision from quarterback Russell Wilson. In what has quickly become the most talked-about play of the preseason so far, Wilson unleashed an 80-yard laser to wide receiver Hunter Collins, a connection that left fans, coaches, and analysts completely stunned.
Even though preseason games are often treated as experiments, this moment signaled that the Raiders’ offensive machinery is coming together far quicker than many anticipated. The deep ball not only showcased Wilson’s legendary arm talent but also highlighted Collins’ route-running brilliance and speed downfield. With defensive backs in full coverage, Collins tracked the ball perfectly, securing the catch with his body fully extended, turning a routine preseason snap into a highlight reel masterpiece.
Head coach Pete Carroll was visibly thrilled, praising the synergy between his quarterback and rookie receiver. “That’s the kind of play that makes you confident in the offense,” Carroll said postgame. “Russell and Hunter are building chemistry every day in practice, and when you see it come together like that, it’s electric. It’s the start of something special for this team.”
For Wilson, this throw was more than just a statement; it’s a glimpse into the Raiders’ potential for the regular season. After his trade from the Seattle Seahawks, questions lingered about how quickly he could adapt to Las Vegas’ system and develop rapport with the team’s young receiving corps. The 80-yard strike to Collins not only answered those doubts but also raised expectations exponentially.
Collins, the 2025 third-round pick, was equally ecstatic about the connection. “Russell put it right where it needed to be,” Collins said. “I just focused on my route and made the play. It feels amazing to see all that work in practice turn into something real on the field. That’s the kind of moment every receiver dreams about.”
The Raiders, fresh off a retooled offseason that included major roster upgrades and strategic trades, are clearly aiming to make a statement this preseason. With Wilson at the helm and emerging stars like Collins stepping up, the offense appears more dynamic and explosive than critics expected. If this performance is any indicator, Las Vegas may have just found a blueprint for their 2025 campaign.
While it’s still early, the buzz around the Raiders is undeniable. Fans took to social media immediately after the play, flooding platforms with clips, GIFs, and reactions that labeled the throw “unbelievable,” “iconic,” and “the best preseason highlight of the year.” If the Raiders can maintain this level of execution, the 2025 season could very well mark the resurgence of Las Vegas as a serious contender in the AFC.
