The 3 Most Likely Eagles To Be Cut Next
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- James Casey, Todd Herremans, and most recently, Cary Williams have been cut by the Eagles this off-season.
With free-agency just one week away, the Eagles are clearly trying to save some cap dollars. They currently have approximately $33 million in cap space. However, they might not be done chopping guys.
Who are the next three likeliest players to go?
3. Trent Cole
Cole, 32, was a 2005 fifth-round Eagles draft pick and has played his entire career---ten seasons---in Philly. During his successful career, Cole has amassed 85.5 sacks and has become one of the franchises best pass-rushers. Recently, Cole has begun to transition nicely from defensive end to linebacker in Billy Davis' 3-4 scheme.
Contractually, however, things get tricky with the veteran linebacker. Cole's 2015 cap hit is $11.625 million. By cutting Cole, the Eagles would save almost $8.5 million, a gigantic number. While restructuring is a possibility, a flat-out release of Cole is certainly possible.
Jason La Canfora says Cole will likely not take a pay cut.
Likelihood: Toss-up. Overthecap.com puts a 52.1% chance on Cole being released.
2. Nolan Carroll
With Williams already cut, and Bradley Fletcher and Nate Allen likely leaving via free-agency, would the Eagles really cut another secondary piece? It's possible.
Carroll, 28, was signed by the Eagles last off-season to a two-year $3.65 million deal. The Eagles could cut Carroll, primarily a backup, without any dead cap penalty, saving themselves another $2.9 million.
Depending on what the Eagles do in free-agency, how they feel about second-year CB Jaylen Watkins, and if they do indeed want to expand the role of corner Brandon Boykin, I wouldn't be shocked to see Carroll go.
Likelihood: Possible. Overthecap.com puts a 61.3% chance on Carroll being cut. That's probably slightly lower now, with Williams gone.
1. DeMeco Ryans
Ryans was acquired by the Eagles via trade in 2012. Quickly, over the last three seasons, Ryans has established himself as the leader of the Eagles' defense. However, the 30-year-old linebacker missed the second-half of last season after tearing his Achilles, something that he continues to recover from.
The Eagles could cut Ryans without any cap penalty, saving a massive $6.9 million on their cap. While Chip Kelly, the Eagles, and the fans certainly understand and appreciate Ryans, that's a lot of dough. And you know what they say---"It's a business."
Likelihood: Very possible. Overthecap.com puts a 73.7% chance on Ryans being cut.
It's certainly possible the Eagles are done cutting big names, but it's also certainly possible they're not. $33 million in cap space is a lot, and it gives the Eagles incredible flexibility, but more could be coming soon.
NFL free agency officially begins Tuesday, Marc 10th at 4:00 p.m. E.T.
