May 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio practices at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles made a small roster move on Sunday, but it could pay off big time. The team released recently signed linebacker Shaq Quarterman and grabbed recently released Caleb Sterns in return.
Who is Caleb Sterns?
Sterns was drafted in the fifth round by Denver in 2021, meaning he has experience working under Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He recorded 2 interceptions this rookie season, along with 5 pass breakups, 2 sacks, and over 25 combined tackles. However, he has struggled to stay healthy, playing in just 6 games over the past 2 years.
His summer was very quiet as he recovered from a torn patellar tendon. After being released by the Broncos, he started with the Panthers but failed a fitness test as he wasn’t fully healthy. The Broncos previously seemed optimistic about the rest of training camp and his return to the fray, but it looked like he was too far gone to make an impact at a position that desperately needed stability.
The Eagles are in a not too uneven situation. Depth at the position is thin, but they have established starters for the upcoming season. Sterns has experience in the scheme and is a Swiss Army knife who can be effective in the box against the run as well as a pass rusher, while his ball production speaks for itself. The biggest question for Sterns will be availability.
Eagles say goodbye to Shaq Quarterman
As for the player who became available to sign, Shaq Quarterman’s tenure in Philadelphia was short-lived. Strong preseason performances from Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. against Baltimore likely played a role in that decision, giving Eagles GM Owie Roseman the confidence to trim some fat at the linebacker position and add another DB who won’t be under immediate pressure and can be slowly eased into practice, with the benefit of an impact player who can be a valuable asset to Fangio’s defense.
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
