DeSean Jackson isn’t the only player who has played his final game for the Eagles this season.
The team announced that they have cut defensive end Jason Babin. The news comes as something of a surprise, although Babin wasn’t expected to remain with the team after this season. He signed a five-year, $27.725 million contract with the team before last season, more than $16 million of which was set to come in the next three years.
Babin made good on that deal with 18 sacks last season, but, like many other Eagles, his play has gone sharply south this year. He has 5.5 sacks this year and seen his playing time cut as a result. He’s also gone public with his dislike for what’s coming out of the mouths of Eagles fans during home games, leading to a rebuke from former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
“We appreciate everything that Jason has given this team over the last couple of years. We wish him all the best as he continues his career,” coach Andy Reid said in a statement released by the team. “By releasing him today, this gives us an opportunity to give more playing time to some of younger guys in the defensive line rotation.”
Second-round pick Vinny Curry is one of the young players who should see a boost with Babin out of the picture. He was active for the first time this season on Monday night against Carolina.
While Babin has underperformed this season, a team headed to the playoffs might take a shot on claiming him off waivers, or signing him once he clears, in hopes of boosting their pass rush. He’s picked up sacks in each of the last two weeks and, as mentioned, isn’t far removed from a season with plenty of them.