Eagles to Release Derek Barnett
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (96) recovers a New England Patriots fumble during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports)
Updated 2:39 PM with statement from the Eagles.
The Eagles are releasing DE Derek Barnett, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Barnett, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2017, has missed practice this week and missed the Eagles’ matchup against the Chiefs for personal reasons.
The Eagles defensive end is perhaps best known for his recovery of the strip sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. During his rookie season, he had a combined 28 regular season tackles, 16 quarterback hits, eight tackles for a loss, and five sacks, tied for third most sacks on the team that season with Chris Long and behind Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. He also forced one fumble and recovered two fumbles during the regular season.
During the postseason, he added a sack, two more combined tackles, a forced fumble, and the aforementioned fumble recovery in the Super Bowl.
The Eagles have been mentioned as a team interested in LB Shaquille Leonard, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts. The Eagles releasing Barnett frees up a roster spot should the team decide to go after Leonard or another player to solidify the defensive backfield.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Eagles thanked Barnett for his years of service to the Eagles.
“The Eagles organization would like to thank Derek for his contributions to this team over the last seven seasons,” the team said in a statement. “As a rookie, Derek made one of the most memorable plays in our Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. He has been a great teammate who always played with high energy and effort. We wish Derek nothing but the best.”
The Eagles did not announce any corresponding roster moves.
