Eagles make multiple roster moves during training camp, add QB Sam Howell and tackle Fred Johnson
The Philadelphia Eagles completed a string of roster moves during their training camp period, acquiring quarterback Sam Howell and tackle Fred Johnson while making a series of signings and roster cuts, the team announced. The transactions came as the club wrapped joint practices and prepared for the preseason finale and the regular season. The team announced significant moves on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, 2025.
On Aug. 24, 2025, the Eagles acquired quarterback Sam Howell from the Minnesota Vikings, a deal that included a 2026 sixth-round pick coming to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, the team reported. The addition gives the Eagles experienced depth behind starter Jalen Hurts. Howell joins a quarterback room that the club is evaluating as it finalizes its roster heading into the regular season.
Among offensive-line moves, the team agreed to acquire tackle Fred Johnson from the Jacksonville Jaguars, returning the swing tackle to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. The Eagles also announced a separate transaction sending T/G Darian Kinnard to the Green Bay Packers as the club adjusted its depth along the line. The Johnson deal was reported Aug. 25, 2025.
Philadelphia added offensive skill and secondary depth with other transactions. The Eagles acquired wide receiver John Metchie III from the Houston Texans on Aug. 18, 2025, and on Aug. 5 they traded for cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Thomas Booker, the team said. The club also signed wide receiver Ife Adeyi and veteran long snapper Christian Johnstone as it rounded out position groups during camp.
The Eagles continued to tweak their roster with moves affecting the practice squad and depth chart. The team signed linebacker Chance Campbell and released wide receiver Giles Jackson on Aug. 20, 2025, and waived quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Aug. 24, 2025; the club noted Thompson-Robinson did not play in the preseason finale. After signing long snapper Christian Johnstone, the team waived B.J. Mayes on Aug. 3, 2025. Earlier in camp, the team placed Nakobe Dean on the Physically Unable to Perform list and listed rookie first-round pick Jihaad Campbell as a limited participant in practice.
Those transactions came amid a training camp that featured joint practices, position battles and several standout practice moments highlighted by the Eagles’ coverage. The team used joint practices and preseason work to assess depth across multiple position groups. Coaches emphasized competition as veterans and newcomers vied for roster spots.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Eagles used training camp to address depth and versatility. Acquiring Sam Howell gives the team a younger quarterback with starting experience to back up Jalen Hurts, while Fred Johnson’s arrival preserves swing-tackle insurance after offseason churn on the offensive line. Adding John Metchie III and Jakorian Bennett bolsters receiver and cornerback competition, and the signing of a veteran long snapper underscores attention to special-teams reliability. These moves fit a club balancing immediate roster needs with long-term draft capital considerations as it finalized its 53-man roster.