The anticipation of training camp has been killing Philadelphia Eagles fans, as they just want to know who will step up as key players in 2026 and who will be sent packing.
Philly's depth on the current 91-man roster looks better than in past years, thanks to general manager Howie Roseman focusing more on bringing in low-cost veterans to push some of the team's players. After the disappointing end to the 2025 season, it is a necessary reality check for the franchise.
There is going to be some intense competition, including what is happening in the backfield on offense. With all the running backs that are there now, the question is whether the guys behind Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby can step up. That leaves all eyes on one of those players, but he might not be moved no matter what.
Will Shipley is actually too valueable for the Eagles to let go of
Most Eagles fans have been pretty disappointed in Shipley's first two seasons in the NFL, as he was seen as the future starter and was supposed to be the backup for the moment. Bigsby obviously ruined those plans, leaving the young third-year back in a bind.
In two seasons, Shipley has rushed for 131 yards, caught for 91 yards, and has 950 kickoff return yards. He's also added 12 tackles and a forced fumble on kickoff coverage.
While a lot of people would be underwhelmed by Shipley after being a fourth-round pick of the Eagles, there is more to him being on the team than some expect. In fact, he might be too valuable to be a cut candidate in training camp.
Think about it. He gives the Eagles depth at a physical position on offense and can be a threat in both the passing and running game. Shipley may not be the greatest kickoff returner of all time, but he is more reliable than most of the players on the team, aside from Britain Covey. Adding in what he can do on special teams as a kickoff gunner, he can actually do a lot.
Shipley might get pushed in training camp with Dameon Pierce and Elijah Mitchell there now, and they both are good fits for new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's scheme. The separation is that Shipley is a versatile weapon on offense and special teams who can do multiple jobs, which can't be said about most of the players on the team.
Read more: Jalen Carter was just told what Eagles fans have seen him do since 2023
Eagles fans might see Shipley as a candidate to be gone from the team, but the franchise can't afford to lose a guy who does so much for this team.
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