Eagles waive rookie after he refuses to sign IR paperwork over pay cut concerns

Philadelphia’s preseason took a tense turn as an internal contract dispute overshadowed preparations for the new campaign. What began as a routine injury designation quickly escalated into a standoff between a promising young player and the front office.

The dispute centered on an injured reserve (IR) decision — a mechanism teams commonly use to protect roster spots and safeguard long-term player health. This time, the process hit an impasse neither side could quietly resolve.

At the heart of the matter was defensive back Brandon Johnson, a versatile Oregon product known for toughness and range. His rookie year in Philadelphia barely began after a shoulder injury in training camp halted his momentum.

General manager Howie Roseman addressed the standoff bluntly: “If you won't sign the IR papers, you’re telling me you’d rather risk everything for a paycheck than protect your future — and we don’t build champions with that mindset.”

Johnson’s injury, sustained during a contested rep, kept him out of the preseason opener. He targeted a Week 2 return against Cleveland, hoping to prove readiness before cut-down day and reclaim traction on the depth chart.

By refusing the IR designation, Johnson risked both his health and his roster position. The stance left the Eagles weighing culture, cap, and competitiveness — an equation that rarely yields easy choices in August.

Fan reaction split down the middle. Some praised the rookie’s determination to compete, while others called it a costly gamble that clashed with a well-defined organizational ethos under Roseman and the coaching staff.

According to internal chatter, Roseman has not slammed the door. The GM is giving Johnson until the end of the preseason to reconsider the IR decision. The rookie’s future in Philadelphia now hinges on his choice.