Eagles Waive Injured 2022 1st-Round Pick Cine After Trading For QB Howell

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired quarterback Sam Howell from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade that sent draft picks in 2026 and 2027 the Vikings' way. This move was driven by the Eagles' need for a more experienced backup quarterback following an injury to Tanner McKee. To make room for Howell on the roster, the Eagles waived/injured safety Lewis Cine, a 2022 first-round pick whose NFL career has been hampered by injuries, including a compound leg fracture during his rookie season. Cine had limited defensive snaps and struggled to secure a regular role, leading to his release by the Vikings and subsequent stints on practice squads before joining the Eagles' practice squad in early 2025. Despite flashes of his athletic potential, including a diving interception in a preseason game, Cine's injury issues and depth chart position made him expendable following the Howell trade. The Eagles appear set to start the season with a safety group led by Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, and rookie Drew Mukuba, while Howell is expected to serve as Jalen Hurts’ primary backup quarterback.