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.
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