According to Mike Garafolo, the Eagles are set to release defensive end Vinny Curry after broken down neogtiations regarding a pay-cut.
Eagles are releasing DL Vinny Curry, source says. Unable to find an agreement on a pay cut.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2018
After weeks of uncertainty, it appears the two parties have reached an agreement and unfortunately it’s one that has resulted in his release. The New Jersey native signed a huge extension with the team just two year’s ago and with a looming $9M cap hit hanging over the heads of the cap needy Super Bowl champions, there always seemed to be a crossroads around the corner.
Curry performed well in his second year under Jim Schwartz. Becoming an integral part of the Eagles #1 ranked run defense, Curry ended his season with 3 sacks and 42 tackles, showing an improved ability to finish plays as opposed to just opening the doors for the rest of the pass-rush to sweep up.
However, Howie overpaid for the services of Curry and left the Eagles in a tricky situation. The acquiring of Michael Bennett gives the Eagles some much needed versatility and depth outside and in many ways means that the team are replacing an expensive, younger defensive end, with a three-time pro bowler who can do damage inside and out.
This will also likely mean an increased role for Derek Barnett. A promising sign for the second-year product who flashed signs of pure dominance during his rookie year, bringing an explosive edge and sense of unpredictability to a deep pass-rush rotation.
Curry has become a fan favorite since being drafted by the Eagles back in 2012. However, after some wise offseason moves, the defensive end grouping no longer rests on his shoulders. The Eagles are all-in on building for the future and if such a large contract was unable to be restructured, it would only sting the birds in years to come. Curry is certainly deserving of a rising salary as he develops, but the business of Football dictates that such a Sunny ending just isn’t always possible in Philadelphia.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
