PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles have released veteran wide receiver Jason Avant.
By jettisoning the eighth-year player, Philadelphia stands to save $3.2 million against the salary cap.
The well-respected Avant arrived in Philadelphia as a fourth-round pick in the 2006 draft. He amassed 297 catches for 3,646 yards and 12 touchdowns over his time with the Eagles and had 38 catches for 447 yards and two touchdowns last season, his first under Chip Kelly.
“In the year I spent with Jason, he was unbelievable in terms of his work ethic and his selfless nature,” said Kelly. “He was a great teammate. We know he will have a chance to sign with another team and by releasing him now, he will have a full offseason to make the necessary adjustments. I had a chance to speak with him today and he handled himself like the true professional he is.”
Avant was so well-liked, general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie also spoke about his impact on the franchise :
“There’s no question that releasing a player like Jason is one of the toughest parts of the job." Roseman said. "It’s a tough day when you have to say goodbye to player who you have so much respect for. I can’t thank him enough for the leadership, the big plays and the positive impression he made on so many of his teammates.”
“There have not been any players who have represented the Philadelphia Eagles with more class and dignity than Jason Avant,” Lurie added. “Whether it was in the locker room, on the playing field or in the community, he has always been a true professional, a role model and a winner every step of the way. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish Jason and his wife Stacy, and their two daughters, nothing but the best as he continues his fine career.”
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