Eagles adjust wide receiver group, sign Tahj Washington and waive Brandon Hayes

The Philadelphia Eagles made a roster change at wide receiver on Thursday, signing Tahj Washington and waiving Brandon Hayes, according to the team. The move comes with preseason football underway and the Eagles preparing for their Friday matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

For the Eagles, the transaction is part of the constant reshaping that happens during the preseason evaluation window. Teams use early-season exhibition games to test how receivers separate versus different coverage looks, how quickly new routes can be learned, and how depth players perform when the rotation shifts. Washington’s addition indicates that Philadelphia sees an opportunity to create competition at the position, while Hayes’ waiver indicates the team is willing to clear roster space to prioritize a different group heading into the next practice and game reps.

While the Eagles did not disclose additional context in the announcement beyond the signing and waiver, the timing is consistent with how NFL clubs manage roster limits for preseason. Each week creates a new set of on-field and practice priorities, and changes at receiver often reflect what coaches are seeing in training camp, including route timing, hands, and the ability to contribute on special teams.

The matchup against the Bengals provides a near-term benchmark for Washington and for the remaining receivers on Philadelphia’s depth chart. Preseason games tend to produce a mix of starters resting, second-team units getting live reps, and younger players being given a meaningful chance to stand out. For Washington, the chance to play in a game setting against an opponent is the fastest way to convert a roster transaction into a role.

Brandon Hayes, meanwhile, leaves the Eagles’ organization as the team winnows the receiver rotation. Being waived in the preseason does not necessarily mean the end of a player’s professional opportunities, but it does mean the Eagles have decided to move forward with other options in their receiving group for the next phase of camp.

As the Eagles head toward Friday, the primary storyline will be how quickly Washington can be integrated into the game plan, including how the coaching staff deploys him in the receiver group and whether he can secure snaps in passing situations. In a preseason environment, small differences in execution often become visible quickly, and this roster adjustment raises the stakes of Washington’s early opportunities.