Connor Barwin Released by Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles announced the release of veteran defensive lineman Connor Barwin on Thursday.

Geoff Mosher‏ of 97.5 The Fanatic noted the roster move saves the team $7.75 million.

He posted a message on Instagram after word of the decision became public:

Barwin is coming off one of the least productive seasons of his eight-year career. The defensive end tallied 34 combined tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble while playing all 16 games.

The 30-year-old Cincinnati product had racked up 21.5 sacks over the previous two seasons combined. He also hadn't finished with less than 40 total tackles since missing virtually the entire 2010 season with an ankle injury suffered during the season opener.

Dave Zangaro of CSNPhilly.com passed along comments the lineman made on the Comcast Network's Breakfast on Broad in January about trying to find a way to stay with the Eagles.

"Yes, I would take a pay cut," Barwin said. "I mean, my plan is to stay here. You know, people talk about my contract and I think, I like to think, I'm a reasonable person and I feel like I'll work with the Eagles and we'll restructure and make some kind of deal that works for everybody."

Apparently the sides weren't able to find enough common ground before the start of the NFL's new league year Thursday afternoon, leading to the defender's release.

The move comes with two years remaining in the six-year, $36 million contract Barwin signed with the Eagles in 2013. It's unclear whether a reunion is still possible at a more team-friendly price.

Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News noted Barwin's impact in Philly went beyond the boundaries of the football field:

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports noted the Eagles tried to trade the defensive end before letting him go. He also predicted the former member of the Houston Texans will "find work quickly" during the day's free-agent frenzy.

Although Barwin struggled throughout much of the 2016 campaign, his track record is strong, with 49.5 career sacks, including two double-digit sack seasons. With edge-rushers at a premium, he shouldn't have too much trouble finding a starting job elsewhere with an eye on a bounce-back year.