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Philadelphia Eagles release expensive DE Connor Barwin

By Ryan Quigley

Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 32-14. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 32-14. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Connor Barwin has been released by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Free agency is officially here and the Philadelphia Eagles are trimming their roster of unwanted contracts. Unfortunately for defensive end Connor Barwin, that means he will be looking for a new job.

The Eagles announced Thursday via Twitter that they have released Barwin. By cutting Barwin, the Eagles are saving themselves $7.75 million in cap space.

Barwin posted a farewell statement to his Instagram following his release.

This move isn’t the least bit surprising. Not only was Barwin expensive, but he no longer fit the Eagles’ defensive scheme. In his first three seasons with the Eagles, Barwin recorded 177 tackles, 26 sacks and four forced fumbles as a 3-4 outside linebacker. After the Eagles switched to a 4-3 defense, however, Barwin recorded just 33 tackles and only four sacks, which is far short of his normal output.

In an appearance on CSN’s Breakfast on Broad in January, Barwin said he would be willing to take a pay cut to remain with the Eagles.

"Yes, I would take a pay cut. 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."

Barwin became a fan favorite in Philadelphia for his incredible work on and off the field. Barwin was nominated for the NFL Man of the Year award two seasons in a row thanks to his efforts in helping the community and interacting with fans.

Next: Eagles sign WR Torrey Smith to 3-year deal

With Barwin now out of the fold, this gives defensive Vinny Curry an opportunity to see more reps. Last season, Barwin and Curry shared playing time. Curry recorded just 2.5 sacks in 2016 after signing a five-year contract extension worth $47.5 million last offseason.

In four seasons in Philadelphia, Barwin tallied 211 tackles, 31 sacks, 24 pass deflections, five forced fumbles and an interception.

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