PHILADELPHIA -- Tim Tebow was one of 22 players the Philadelphia Eagles released Saturday to get under the NFL’s 53-man roster limit.

With Friday’s trade of quarterback Matt Barkley, the Eagles’ roster stands at 52 players. They are expected to add a player, possibly a third quarterback, after cuts become final.

Most significant move: The release of Tebow has repercussions beyond the Eagles’ depth chart. Interest in the charismatic quarterback transcends the football field. Eagles coach Chip Kelly said that Tebow was successful in improving his throwing mechanics, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to land him another opportunity in the NFL. The New England Patriots released Tebow two years ago. He was out of the league for two seasons before Kelly signed him in the spring. At 28, Tebow is running out of time.

Surprise, surprise: A couple of unexpected players made the roster. At safety, Jerome Couplin III beat out Chris Prosinski and Ed Reynolds. Center/guard Josh Andrews made the team ahead of guard John Moffitt. Moffitt was a former Seattle Seahawks starter who abruptly retired in 2013 and missed the entire 2014 season. Kelly said it was less a matter of what Moffitt didn’t do than what Andrews did.

What’s next: Kelly said he will add a third quarterback, either to the active roster or the practice squad. Players can be signed to the practice squad Sunday, and several of the players released Saturday are likely to be back in the locker room when the players report back to the NovaCare Complex Tuesday. The Eagles begin practicing Wednesday for their season-opening Monday night game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Eagles moves: Released QB Tim Tebow, OL John Moffitt, DB Chris Prosinski, OL Julian Vandervelde, DB Jaylen Watkins, DB Ed Reynolds, LB Najee Goode, WR Jeff Maehl, WR Rasheed Bailey, OL Brett Boyko, OL Malcolm Bunche, CB Randall Evans, TE Andrew Gleichert, WR Freddie Martino, DE Brian Mihalik, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Quron Pratt, DT Travis Raciti, LB Deontae Skinner, P/K Kip Smith, TE Eric Tomlinson, LB Diaheem Watkins.