The Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback carousel continues. While it may seem that Michael Vick is the guaranteed starter for the team, the way they are rotating quarterbacks makes that seem less certain. The team continues to add and subtract quarterbacks from the roster and the latest to fall victim is backup Trent Edwards.
The Eagles have released the veteran quarterback just prior to opening offseason mini camps. He spent most of last season as the No.3 man on the roster, behind Vick and Nick Foles. As the Eagles added another quarterback in Dennis Dixon during the offseason, it was assumed at least one person on the roster would be cut.
Edwards spent a majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills where he never panned out to be the franchise quarterback the team was hoping for. He spent one year in Jacksonville before sitting out the entire 2011 season with no team. The Eagles picked him up for a season, but he only saw action in one game. He did play in the preseason, completing 54 of 80 passes for four touchdowns. However, the Eagles no longer feel the need to keep him around.
Philadelphia is assumed to be drafting Geno Smith with the No.4 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. That could have played into the decision to release Edwards. The team already carries four quarterbacks. If the Eagles do draft Smith in the first round, another player could be released prior to the 2013 season beginning.
While multiple draft experts have the Eagles grabbing Smith, many believe they should focus on the offensive line in the first round and wait to pick up a quarterback later in the draft. With Vick as the assumed starter and Foles as the assumed backup, there is no need to waste the first-round pick on Smith. The Eagles are reportedly also considering taking Ryan Nassib out of Syracuse in the second round. Philly has the No.35 pick and Nassib is sure to be around by then.
All signs point to the Eagles going into the season with at least four or five quarterbacks. That seems like a large number for that position, but with injury history to Vick, it might not seem that crazy.
