DeMeco Ryans Latest Cap Casualty by Philadelphia Eagles

After he tore his achillies tendon for the second time in his long NFL career, the career of DeMeco Ryans has been much in flux. The Philadelphia Eagles veteran middle linebacker received his pink slip today by the franchise that traded for him in 2012.

The team traded a fourth round pick and swapped third round picks with the Houston Texans for Ryans’ services.

The Eagles clear about $3.5 million in cap space by releasing the 31 year old linebacker.

Check out my instant reaction to DeMeco Ryans’ release by the Philadelphia Eagles, courtesy of Periscope.

Dubbed “Mufasa” by former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, Ryans was a vocal leader in the Eagles locker room since his arrival in 2012. He finishes his Eagles career with 334 combined tackles, five interceptions, and five sacks over four seasons in midnight green.

Despite restructuring his contract just last offseason, Ryans carried too high of a cap considering his injury and age.

The arrival of rookie Jordan Hicks also helped contribute to the Eagles decision. Hicks was well on his way to being considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year before he tore his pectoral muscle later in the season against the Dallas Cowboys at home.

He was also dubbed the “Simba” of the defense as he learned under the wing of Ryans, aka “Mufasa.”

The third round pick out of Texas finished his rookie campaign with 50 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Hicks is expected to play as the Eagles primary MIKE in new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s defensive scheme

With this move the Eagles continue to increase their cap space heading into the offseason. They released wide receiver Riley Cooper after the season, adding a decent amount of cap flexibility as well.

As for DeMeco Ryans, he will have to prove he is healthy before getting a new NFL contract. For a linebacker coming off his second achillies tear and entering training camp at 32, Ryans will have to rely on his veteran leadership to lock onto an NFL team.

You might wonder if Chip Kelly would be interested in brining in Ryans out in San Francisco. What would be even more interesting is if Ryans went there after there were reports the Eagles lockerroom did not agree with Kelly’s coaching methods and the amount of time defenses stayed on the field.

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