Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Grades

Dec 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) celebrates a tackle against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles Release OLB Trent Cole

While Trent Cole ranks second on the Eagles all time sack list, the writing had been on the wall for the past two seasons and it became clear last season that it was unlikely Cole would not be finishing his career in Philadelphia, unless he took a major pay cut.

Trent Cole was going to count $11.625 million against the Eagles cap next season, $12.6 million next season, and a whopping $14 million in 2017.

Cole’s production has gone down since switching from a defensive end under Andy Reid to a 3-4 outside linebacker in Chip Kelly’s defense.

Cole was still a decent pass rusher, registering 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons and grading out at +11.3 last season as a pass rusher, but he has been a liability in pass coverage, grading out at -5.0 in pass coverage over the past two seasons.

While Cole wasn’t a bad player over the past two seasons, his play didn’t warrant the $11.625 million cap hit that he would have cost.

Unfortunately for Cole, the Eagles and all Eagles fans, the two couldn’t work out a new contract, which would have brought Cole back at a lower cap hit. Cole will always be beloved in Philadelphia, but the move was necessary and the Chip Kelly was able to make the most out of the $11 million plus that he freed up by cutting Cole.

Grade: A

Eagles Release CB Cary Williams

After signing with the Eagles two years ago, Williams was immediately inserted as the Eagles starting cornerback. When Williams was signed, he was recently crowned a Super Champion and coming off a season in which he had 75 tackles and four interceptions.

Though he had a great final season with the Ravens, he struggled with the Eagles. Williams graded out at a combined -5.1 over the past two seasons. He was very inconsistent while he suited up in midnight green and he gave up tons of big plays. 

Just like Cole, Williams wasn’t an awful player, but his big mouth and high cap hit in 2015, $8.166 million to be exact, made it a no brainer to release Williams.

Grade: A