Eagles claim quarterback off waivers, (temporarily?) cut Rick Lovato

THE QUARTERBACK FACTORY STRIKES AGAIN.

The Philadelphia Eagles made a roster move on Monday evening that comes with some intrigue. The team claimed quarterback Reid Sinnett off waivers from the Miami Dolphins and released long snapper Rick Lovato, according to the NFL’s transaction wire.

So, obvious QB Factory joke aside … what’s the deal here? The Eagles really need four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster? Sinnett is set to join a room that already features Jalen hurts, Joe Flacco, and Gardner Minshew.

It’s possible the Eagles are preparing to move Flacco or Minshew ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, November 2. If Flacco is on the way out, the 6’4”, 220 pound Sinnett would give the Eagles a replacement as a bigger quarterback. If Minshew is on the way out, Sinnett would give the Eagles a replacement as a “developmental” quarterback. UPDATE: The Eagles reportedly traded Joe Flacco to the New York Jets as this story was being written.

Sinnett, 24, played college football at San Diego (Division I FCS) before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. He then wound up with the Dolphins after the Bucs cut him. The Dolphins recently decided to waive him with Tua Tagovailoa returning from injured reserve.

Sinnett’s NFL experience is limited to 53 preseason dropbacks. He completed 66.7% of his attempts for 401 yards (8.9 yards per attempt), three touchdowns, one interception, and a 107.7 passer rating back in the summer. Pro Football Focus had him as their fourth-highest graded preseason QB behind C.J. Beathard, Jameis Winston, and Mac Jones.

With the Eagles lacking a sure-fire answer under center, it makes sense for them to keep taking shots on quarterbacks. But, again, it’s weird that they currently have four on the roster. We’ll see if there are any shoes to drop with this move.

As for Lovato getting cut? It seems like that’s probably a temporary procedure. As a vested veteran, Lovato isn’t subject to waivers. The Eagles can just re-sign him after they make another move to clear a roster spot.

Scouting report on Sinnett via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

Pro-style quarterback with good size and touch who will need to overcome a lack of experience and a massive step up in competition. Sinnett is a cerebral player but lacks NFL arm strength and might need to play in a play-action heavy offense that allows him to throw to space rather than tighter windows. He will take what defenses give him and is fairly accurate when the pocket is clean. He’s not very mobile and will be ineffective with NFL pressure bearing down on him. Sinnett has developmental traits and intelligence. He might be a practice squad candidate.

Reid Sinnett. He can really spin it.