Update:
#Eagles release LB Trent Cole.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2015
Head coach Chip Kelly said that they’re open to re-signing Cole.
“We spoke with Trent and his agent and expressed a desire to have him back,” Chip Kelly said. “We have been talking for a couple of weeks. However, at this point, we think it’s best to let him explore other options.”
Adam Caplan expects Cole to ultimately sign with a team that employs a 4-3 defense.
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Geoff Mosher first reported that the Eagles were releasing veteran OLB Trent Cole.
- According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, the two sides unable to reach an agreement on a new contract.
- Caplan expects the move to be official in the next 24 hours.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports mentioned earlier in the day that this move could be coming, and added that “several” teams will be interested in signing him to a contract.
La Canfora wonders if the Jets could be a fit for Cole, seeing as Todd Bowles coached him while in Philly, and they could use help at outside linebacker.
Cole, 32, had three years remaining on his six-year, $59.3 million contract that included $14.5 million guaranteed. The agreement includes base salaries of $10 million (2015), $10.9 million (2016), and $13.9 million (2017) over the next years.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Cole will free up $8.425 million in available cap space while creating $3.2 million in dead money.
In 2014, Cole recorded 52 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 19 outside linebacker in a 3-4 system out of 46 qualifying players.
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