Eagles release DE Jevon Kearse

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Two-time all-pro defensive end Jevon Kearse was released by the Eagles Thursday after two disappointing seasons in Philadelphia.

The move was a salary cap decision.

Kearse did not live up to expectations when slow healing after a debilitating left knee injury in the second game in the 2006 season against the New York Giants limited his effectiveness.

The knee injury put him on the injured reserve list.

In 2007, Kearse started eight times, recording 3 ½ sacks and 12 tackles -- far below his numbers before the injury.

In 1999, "The Freak," a fearsome pass rushing specialist, the former first-round draft pick by the Tennessee Titans out of Florida, was the NFL's Rookie of the Year recording 48 solo tackles, 14 ½ sacks and eight forced fumbles.

He had 36 sacks in his first three NFL seasons.

Kearse becomes a free agent. His release saves Philadelphia $6.46 million he would have been owed next season.