The Eagles have a couple of wide receivers heading for free agency in Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper and they may free some cap space to sign one or both of them by dropping another wideout from the roster.
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Eagles are expected to part ways with veteran Jason Avant. Avant is scheduled to count $3.96 million against the cap in 2014 and has a roster bonus of $1 million due on March 15, which would be the two leading reasons why the team would move on without him.
Avant had 38 catches for 447 yards and two touchdowns last season and has been a complementary receiver in all eight of his seasons with the Eagles. Some of the need for that complement is lessened by the large role of tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz in the offense and there’s little reason to think that would change in Chip Kelly’s second season as head coach.
McLane credited him with being a strong presence in the locker room, although that impact appears to weigh less to them than the chance to use some of Avant’s money on players more essential to the lineup on the field.