“Several” Teams Expected To Have Interest In Eagles OLB Trent Cole If He’s Cut

March 3, 2015

Update:

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 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.

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On Monday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reported that the Eagles have been working on a restructured contract for veteran OLB Trent Cole, which appeared to be a good sign that he would be back in Philadelphia next year.

However, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports mentions that he doesn’t expect Cole to accept a pay cut, and instead mentions that “several” will be interested in signing him if he ends up being available.

La Canfora doesn’t offer any specifics regarding which teams could have interest in Cole, but you would have to think that teams like Steelers, Ravens, and Jaguars could all check in on him.

Cole said following the 2014 season that he was willing to work with the Eagles to ensure he remained in Philadelphia, even expressed optimism that they’ll get an agreement in place.

“I want to do whatever we can to make things work” Cole said. “Hopefully that results in me being here … I want to be here. I’ve been here ten years, going on my 11th year and want my next stop to be here with the Eagles next year. Time will tell. Things will get done and everyone will be happy.”

Cole, 32, still has three years remaining on his six-year, $59.3 million contract that included $14.5 million guaranteed. The agreement included 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 would 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.