5 Philadelphia Eagles Veterans Who Could Be Cap Casualties

With the Philadelphia Eagles already eliminated from playoff contention, it's time to begin looking ahead to the offseason. And while much of the attention will be on who the organization is going to bring in to fix this mess, there's also going to be some addition by subtraction.

Every year, NFL teams trim the spare fat on their roster by releasing expensive veterans. These "cap casualties" are often players who may still have something to offer but not at the cost of their current contracts or in comparison to the money that's saved.

This offseason, the Eagles appear to have five vets who could be on the chopping block. We'll take a look at who those players are and the pros and cons the front office will have to weigh. 

Jason Peters

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Jason Peters being named to his eighth Pro Bowl this season is a perfect example of a reputation selection. The simple truth of the matter is the Eagles' left tackle has not been good in 2015. Blame a laundry list of injuries or the fact that he turns 34 in January, but whatever the case may be, Peters has been a liability out there.

The good news for the Eagles is they could save a lot of money by moving on from Peters during the offseason. Releasing Peters would cost $3 million in dead money against the cap compared to a savings of $6 million.

The bad news is the Eagles don't really have anybody to replace him. Lane Johnson might be able to make the move over from the right side, and that's been the plan all along. But then who fills his spot?

The Eagles may be forced to roll the dice on Peters for one more year and hope health, not decline, was the bigger issue this season.

DeMeco Ryans

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DeMeco Ryans may be a great leader, but his play has dropped off dramatically during the second half of this season. At 31 years old, he's already a liability in coverage. Plus, the two-time Pro Bowler is no longer a dependable run defender, either, nor has he come up with any clutch turnovers lately.

Granted, Ryans suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss two weeks, and he hasn't been the same since. Any way you slice it, though, it's been seven games since he's come up with a forced fumble or interception, and he has just one pass breakup over the same span.

Releasing Ryans in the offseason would count as a minimal $1 million cap hit compared to $3.5 million in savings. Like Peters, maybe he would return to form once he got healthy. Then again, the Eagles have plenty of help up the middle with Mychal Kendricks, Kiko Alonso and Jordan Hicks.

Brent Celek

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Brent Celek hasn't been a leading receiver on the Eagles for years. However, he still had a significant role in the offense as an outstanding blocker.

That role diminished a bit in 2015. For one, Zach Ertz emerged as the better all-around tight end and a favorite target of quarterback Sam Bradford. Then again, Celek also lost out on playing time because his blocking had not been nearly as stellar as it had in previous years.

Celek turns 31 in January, and the Eagles stand to save all $5 million of his salary if he's released. Ertz is clearly the man now, and Trey Burton has been on the roster for two years. The team can probably get by with another inexpensive free agent or late-round draft pick.

Riley Cooper

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Why was Riley Cooper even here this season? Because it would've cost the Eagles more to release him last offseason than to keep him.

That will no longer be the case in 2016. If Cooper is cut, it will still cost the Eagles $2.4 million against the salary cap. Then again, they stand to save $2.9 million, and it's not as if the wideout's presence will be sorely missed. Cooper has just 21 receptions on the season.

Cooper has been an expensive mistake, earning a contract extension from the Eagles in 2013 on the strength of three good games. He can be a decent backup somewhere, but not for the money he's making now.

DeMarco Murray

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"Cap casualty" might not be the term that best suits DeMarco Murray, seeing as it would actually cost the Eagles more to cut the running back than to replace him. Then again, if they're not going to use the two-time Pro Bowler, and he's going to be unhappy with his role, it might be what's best for both sides.

Murray would count for $8 million against the cap if he's with Philly in 2016, compared to $13 million if he's released. That being said, he counts for $13 million in cap space regardless. If they keep him and wait to release him in 2017, it's $5 million in dead money.

Still, as long as Murray doesn't have a bad attitude, it's worth seeing whether he can return to form next season when he'll be another year removed from a heavy workload. He'll likely never lead the league in rushing again, but he could be a dependable hand. Besides, if he's gone, the Eagles have to pay another player to take his roster spot.

All contract numbers via Spotrac.