The Philadelphia Eagles officially released veteran pass-rusher Trent Cole on Wednesday.
Cole's release comes one day after reports surfaced that the Eagles have a deal in place to trade former NFL rushing champion LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso.
In the past two weeks, the Eagles have parted ways with tight end James Casey, guard Todd Herremans, cornerback Cary Williams and now Cole.
Cole, 32, carried cap figures of $11.625 million in 2015, $12.6 million in 2016 and $14 million in 2017 as part of the four-year extension he signed in March of 2012. He had base salaries of $10 million in 2015, $10.9 million in 2016 and $13.9 million in the final year.
"We spoke with Trent and his agent and expressed a desire to have him back," said Eagles coach Chip Kelly. "We have been talking for a couple of weeks. However, at this point, we think it's best to let him explore other options around the NFL."
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Cole recorded 569 tackles, 85 1/2 sacks and 19 forced fumbles in 10 seasons with Philadelphia, which selected him in the fifth round of the 2005 draft. He ranks second in Eagles history in sacks behind Reggie White (124).
Cole, who played eight seasons in a 4-3 defensive scheme, played his past two seasons with the Eagles in the 3-4. The Cincinnati product had 52 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks in 2014.
[SportsNetwork.com]
