Once a rotational edge rusher, Derek Barnett is now off the team and inactive.
The Eagles’ decision to cut Barnett, a former 1st-round pick in 2017, comes after a career with 21 ½ sacks in 73 games, including none in his last 15 games, as reported first by ESPN’s Adam Schefter with no immediate confirmation from the Eagles.
Barnett performed well in his rookie season with 5.0 sacks and then made a pivotal fumble recovery during Super Bowl LII, which was the crowning achievement for his performance with the Eagles.
However, Barnett’s productivity dwindled and his playing time decreased due to injuries, which led to his release from the team despite his restructured contract before the 2022 season, according to ESPN.
Although no official connection was made between Barnett’s dwindling playing time and his release, it’s clear that the team was seeking more on-field production from him as a rotational edge rusher.
Barnett’s departure leaves an opening for new players to step into the fray, elevating the competition within the roster to fill the void left by his exit from the team.
Despite his release, Barnett’s potential as an athlete cannot be underestimated, and his age of 27 leaves the door open to future possibilities within the NFL. His departure has paved the way for other young and emerging talents to make their mark in the league as they now navigate life without his presence in the locker room.
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