Cullen Jenkins Released by Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have released veteran defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins after two seasons with the team. General manager Howie Roseman addressed the move:

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(Jenkins) has been a very productive player in this league for a long time but we felt it in our team’s best interests that we go in a different direction. By releasing him at this point, it gives he and his agent more time to sign on with another team.

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Jenkins was reportedly due $5.5 million in 2013, and with the change across the board in management, the 32-year-old veteran was not worth the price tag for Philadelphia.

The former Green Bay Packers star signed a free-agent contract with the Eagles in 2011 and gave the team two solid years. Jenkins played in every game over the two seasons in Philly and amassed 9.5 sacks.

However, the Wide 9 defensive line scheme limited how effective the versatile 6’2”, 305-pound lineman could be during his time in Philadelphia. 

Jenkins’ versatility would likely be a great fit in the hybrid 3-4 defensive scheme that new defensive coordinator Bill Davis and the Eagles’ coaching staff will likely try to install this season (h/t Philly.com), but the price tag coupled with the defensive line depth in the 2013 NFL draft class forced the team’s hand.

Philadelphia will be looking to add new offensive pieces through the draft to help head coach Chip Kelly bring his fast-paced college offense to the NFL, but it is just as imperative that the team selects a viable DT replacement for Jenkins.

Not only did the big defensive tackle help put pressure on quarterbacks on passing downs, but Jenkins also contributed to the run-stopping effort from both defensive tackle positions.

The Eagles may have saved money cutting the longtime NFL pro, but they lost a very talented player.

There is no doubt that Jenkins will find a job starting somewhere, especially with the versatility and speed to play in any scheme the league has to offer. His contract just wasn’t the right fit in Philadelphia at this time.