Philadelphia Eagles Inform Veteran RB He Is Being Cut, Agents Exploring Next Team Options
The Philadelphia Eagles have made another roster adjustment following their Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Despite optimism in the offseason, the team decided change was necessary in a crowded and competitive backfield.
Through training camp and the preseason, Philadelphia evaluated its depth at running back, weighing production, health, and long-term value. With Saquon Barkley established as RB1 and younger talent showing flashes, patience with a veteran option began to wear thin.
That veteran is A.J. Dillon, who signed with the Eagles in March but failed to impress. He totaled fewer than 50 rushing yards during the preseason and managed just 12 yards on four carries in Week 1.
“This is the reality of football,” general manager Howie Roseman said. “We respect every player who comes through here, but the competition in Philadelphia is intense. This roster isn’t built in a day — it’s built for the long term. And if someone doesn’t meet the standard, we have to make changes.”
Philadelphia Eagles Inform Veteran RB AJ Dillon, He Is Being Cut, Agents Exploring Next Team Options pic.twitter.com/ehG9GjwQWI
— Adam Schetfer (@fanhub_nfl) September 9, 2025
Dillon’s struggles extended beyond one game. After posting only 3.4 yards per carry with Green Bay in 2023 and missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, he entered Philadelphia with lingering questions about his durability and explosiveness.
Meanwhile, the Eagles front office sent another strong message by trading for running back Tank Bigsby. The former Jaguars back, known for his burst and red-zone potential, is expected to slot in immediately as RB2 behind Barkley.
The move makes an already deep RB room even more competitive. Philadelphia now features Barkley, Bigsby, rookie Will Shipley, and practice-squad talents Audric Estimé and Montrell Johnson Jr. With Dillon waived, the backfield is stacked with youth, power, and versatility.
Financially, moving on from Dillon made sense. His $1.5 million veteran-minimum contract carried just $300,000 in dead money, saving the team nearly $1.2 million in cap space. That flexibility opens options for other roster additions, including rumored interest in cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
For the Eagles, the message is clear: every spot is earned, not given. With Bigsby in the mix, Philadelphia hopes to solidify a dynamic backfield capable of powering another deep playoff run.
Chicago Bears Inform Veteran K Cairo Santos He Is Being Cut, Agents Exploring Next Team Options
The Chicago Bears are moving on from one of their longest-tenured specialists. According to sources, the team has informed veteran kicker Cairo Santos that he will be released, with his representatives now exploring possible landing spots across the league.
Santos, the first Brazilian-born player to ever compete in the NFL, has had a notable career, bringing consistency to Chicago’s special teams in recent years. But after a shaky Week 1 performance, the Bears decided it was time to make a change.
In Monday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Santos missed a 50-yard field goal attempt and struggled on kickoffs, failing to generate enough power to pin the return unit deep. Both miscues drew heavy criticism from fans and media.
With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams leading the offense, Chicago needs a reliable kicker who can deliver in high-pressure moments. Santos’ lack of range and diminishing accuracy raised doubts about whether he could still handle that responsibility.
The Bears are expected to evaluate free-agent options and could pursue a younger kicker with a stronger leg. Sources indicate the team has already begun contacting potential replacements.
For Santos, the cut marks an uncertain new chapter. Though he remains one of the NFL’s most accomplished kickers, the veteran must now convince another team that he can still provide steady production.
Over the course of his career, Santos has converted more than 85% of his field goal attempts. But in a results-driven league, recent struggles have overshadowed past success, leading to his release.
While his Bears tenure comes to an end, Santos’ story as the NFL’s first Brazilian player will continue to resonate. Whether he finds a new team or not, his journey has already left a lasting mark on the league.
