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NFLFeature
Eagles gain hidden roster advantage with rookie Uar Bernard
TL;DR
The Philadelphia Eagles have an advantage with rookie Uar Bernard, who benefits from the International Player Pathway exemption, allowing the team to carry 91 players during training camp. This extra spot helps developmental players like Bernard adjust to the NFL without immediate roster pressure.
Key points
- Uar Bernard is a rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- He benefits from the International Player Pathway exemption.
- The exemption allows the Eagles to carry 91 players during training camp.
- Bernard's spot helps him develop without immediate roster pressure.
- The Eagles have options for Bernard after training camp.
Uar BernardPhiladelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles may not have guaranteed Uar Bernard a roster spot, but they certainly made life easier for him heading into training camp. Honestly? That matters. One of the organization's final three players added to the 2026 eight-man draft class earns some training camp certainty. He is given the International Player Pathway exemption.
What does that mean, you ask? It's relatively simple. The Eagles can essentially carry 91 players during training camp and the preseason instead of the league-mandated limit of 90. That extra spot belongs to Bernard. For now, Bernard's place in camp feels secure because technically, he isn't taking someone else's roster spot. That's valuable for developmental players, especially international prospects who may need more time adjusting to the NFL game. The Eagles can evaluate him without immediately feeling pressure elsewhere on the roster.
The most interesting part, however, comes later. Once final roster cuts arrive, Philadelphia has two choices. They can either place Bernard on the initial 53-man roster or waive him like any other player. Here's where the IPP rules factor in again.
If Bernard clears waivers, the Eagles can stash him on the practice squad using another exemption that creates an additional practice squad slot specifically for him. In other words, Philadelphia is allowed to carry an extra player, not once but twice.
Why Uar Bernard's exemption matters more than people realize
Uar Bernard was selected 251st overall this past April, during Round 7 of the most recent NFL draft. The Eagles announced his signing, along with five others, at the beginning of May. The questions are about the extent to which the Eagles must go to protect him.
That's the real question because while the exemption provides flexibility, it also introduces danger. If Bernard shows enough during preseason action, another team could absolutely claim him before he ever reaches the practice squad. Honestly, that scenario doesn't feel impossible.
Q&A
What is the International Player Pathway exemption for Uar Bernard?
The International Player Pathway exemption allows the Eagles to carry 91 players during training camp, providing Bernard with a secure spot to develop without taking someone else's roster position.
How does Uar Bernard's roster spot impact the Eagles' training camp?
Bernard's roster spot allows the Eagles to evaluate him without the pressure of cutting another player, which is particularly beneficial for international prospects adjusting to the NFL.
What options do the Eagles have for Uar Bernard after training camp?
After training camp, the Eagles can either place Bernard on the 53-man roster or waive him; if he clears waivers, they can use another exemption to stash him on the practice squad.
