After weeks of speculation, the Philadelphia Eagles have released defensive end Vinny Curry. After a trade for Michael Bennett as well as a number of free agent signings, and re-signings, the Eagles were up against the salary cap. Releasing Curry gives the team some breathing room.
The Eagles aren’t moving on from Vinny Curry for performance reasons. Just not enough coin to go around. pic.twitter.com/Ty9bGqaKyQ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles release Vinny Curry
Curry played defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded four tackles in Super Bowl LII and helped carry his team to a 41-33 win over the New England Patriots. Last season, Curry’s stats could have been better given that he played and started all 16 games. He registered 42 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble but was playing through an MCL injury. Pro Football Focus ranked him the number 21 edge rusher out of 109 qualifying players.
In 2012, Curry signed a four-year, $3.38 million contract with the Eagles. He did not start a single game during his first three years and played in only six games his first year with nine combined tackles. Curry’s third year was his breakout season. Although he played in all 16 games, he only had 17 tackles and two assists. However, he led the team in forced fumbles (with four) and had nine sacks. In 2015, he was moved to outside linebacker and struggled with this position. He played all 16 games and still had zero starts. He finished the season with just 12 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Curry is arguably the Eagles’ best pass rusher but he needs to see more field time.
In 2016, the Eagles hired Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator who shifted the team back to a 4-3 defence. This sequence of events afforded Curry a new opportunity to remain in Philadelphia. In February, he signed a five-year, $47.25 million contract extension following rumors that he could leave the team in free agency.
Despite having a Super Bowl ring under his belt, Curry’s main career highlights were during his college years. Curry played college football for Marshall and had a breakout year in 2010 with a career high of 12 sacks as a junior which was the second most in the US. During his senior year, he had 74 tackles, six forced fumbles and 11 sacks. He also won the C-USA Defensive Player of the Year.
Curry was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was 59th overall selection, making him the highest selected player from Marshall since 2004.
