In a surprising move ahead of the NFL’s Tuesday 4 p.m. ET roster cutdown deadline, the Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with a hidden gem, undrafted free agent (UDFA) running back ShunDerrick Powell. According to NBC Sports’ Dave Zangaro, the Eagles waived Powell on Monday, a decision that could prove to be a costly oversight for Philly and a golden opportunity for another NFL franchise.
Zangaro took to X to break the news: “The Eagles are waiving rookie RB ShunDerrick Powell, per source. Powell, who came from Central Arkansas, had some flashy moments this summer.” Those “flashy moments” were no fluke—Powell turned heads throughout training camp and the preseason, showcasing the kind of explosive potential that makes scouts and fans alike take notice.
Signed as a UDFA after the 2025 NFL Draft, Powell brought an impressive resume from Central Arkansas, where he dominated in 2024. The dynamic back racked up 1,334 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, including eight 100-yard games, while also contributing 318 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air. In the preseason, Powell carried the ball 10 times for 23 yards and a touchdown, adding one catch for two yards across three games. While his raw numbers might not scream superstar, his burst, vision, and versatility hinted at untapped potential.
However, the Eagles’ backfield was a tough nut to crack. With established star Saquon Barkley, promising rookie Will Shipley, and veteran A.J. Dillon ahead of him on the depth chart, Powell faced an uphill battle to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Despite his electrifying play, the numbers game worked against him, and the Eagles made the tough call to let him go.
But Powell’s NFL journey is far from over. His release could be a golden ticket for another team looking to snag a high-upside player at a bargain. If Powell clears waivers, the Eagles may try to bring him back to their practice squad, but that’s a big “if.” Given his preseason flashes, it’s likely another team will claim him, capitalizing on Philadelphia’s roster crunch. A player with Powell’s skill set—speed, elusiveness, and receiving ability—doesn’t stay on the market long.
The Eagles’ roster cuts didn’t stop with Powell. The team also waived a slew of other players, including defensive back Lewis Cine, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, offensive lineman Kenyon Green, tight ends E.J. Jenkins and Nick Muse, running backs Keilan Robinson and Montrell Johnson Jr., quarterback Kyle McCord, safety Maxen Hook, wide receivers Terrace Marshall, Elijah Cooks, and Ife Adeyi, cornerbacks A.J. Woods and Eli Ricks, outside linebacker Ochaun Mathis, and safety Andre Sam. Meanwhile, the Eagles made strategic moves in the trade market, acquiring quarterback Sam Howell from the Minnesota Vikings and offensive tackle Fred Johnson from the Jacksonville Jaguars, while sending offensive lineman Darian Kinnard to the Green Bay Packers.
For Powell, the future remains bright. Whether he lands on another team’s active roster or finds a home on a practice squad, his college production and preseason promise suggest he’s a player worth betting on. Some lucky team is about to get a steal, and the Eagles might soon regret letting this diamond in the rough slip through their fingers.