In a move that was expected for months, the Philadelphia Eagles announced the release of veteran wide receiver Jason Avant. The Michigan alum played for Philadelphia for eight seasons and was a leader in the locker room. His departure comes after a dip in production in 2013 and he was due a $1 million bonus on March 15.
Avant is known for his blocking prowess and has great hands. He is also a standout as a route runner. He is likely to get looks from the Chiefs, who are run by his former head coach, Andy Reid. Other possible landing spots include the Lions, Bears and Jets. The move saves the Eagles $3.25 million in cap space.
Here are several more headlines that you may have missed on Tuesday:
Uche Nwaneri released by Jaguars
The Jaguars have released long-time offensive guard Uche Nwaneri, according to Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. The Jaguars saved $3.7 million by releasing the veteran, but really did not need the added room. Nwaneri was due a $1 million bonus this season but his production slipped last year, his first with head coach Gus Bradley. At 29, Nwaneri is likely a stopgap starter at guard for a team that is desperate for starting offensive linemen. The Cardinals and Dolphins may be landing spots for Nwaneri.
Chargers intend to release Derek Cox, Le'Ron McClain, restructure Eddie Royal's deal
The Chargers plan to release cornerback Derek Cox and have told the player of their intentions, according to Michael Gehlken of Union-Times San Diego. Cox was due a salary of $4.25 million this season and lasted just one season in San Diego after signing a four-year deal worth $20 million. He struggled against No. 1 wide receivers all season and was benched a few times during the year. Cox will likely have to settle for a one-year deal on the open market in a top-heavy cornerback free agent class.
The Chargers will also save $2.5 million after releasing fullback Le'Ron McClain, according to Michael Gehlken of Union-Times San Diego. McClain plays a position that is slowly being phased out of the NFL game but he has the ability to be a successful with ball in his hand. A talented and durable lead blocker, McClain will likely see a new deal quickly and join his fourth team in five seasons.
The Chargers have done a lot of housecleaning on Tuesday. The club restructured wide receiver Eddie Royal's deal, but terms have not been released, according to Michael Gehlken of Union-Times San Diego. He was set to make $4.5 million with a $6 million cap hit this season. He had 47 catches for 631 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season in San Diego.
Redskins drop defensive end Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca
The Redskins have plenty of cap space, but will now have even more. The team announced that it has terminated the contracts of defensive end Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca on Tuesday. Cutting Carriker gives the Redskins $2.98 million more in cap space. He has missed 30 straight games due to lingering quad issues. He has had three surgeries on his right leg.
Rocca had been with the Redskins since 2011. He was the oldest rookie in the NFL history when he signed with the Eagles in 2007 and is now 40. The Australian will be 41 in November and has likely one more year (if that) left in the league.
Falcons re-sign defensive tackle Corey Peters
Atlanta is bringing back defensive tackle Corey Peters on a one-year deal, the team announced on Tuesday. The four-year veteran tore his Achilles tendon in Week 16 of last season and will likely need 4-6 months to rehab. He could be a candidate to be placed on the physically unable to perform list heading into training camp. Peters had five sacks in 2013 and was likely due to receive a nice contract before his injury. Now he will have to prove he can recover from a serious injury before getting his long-term deal.
Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds signs transition tag
Pittsburgh linebacker Jason Worilds has signed his transition tag just one day after receiving it. Both the Steelers and Worilds are working toward a long-term deal, but the tag means the linebacker is even more likely to stick around. He will make $9.75 million on a one-year deal if another team does not sign him or he does not reach a deal with the Steelers.
D'Qwell Jackson will visit the Colts
Former Browns inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is set to meet with the Colts, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. After meeting with the Dolphins, Jackson got on a plane to Indianapolis. He is taking his time with finding a new team, as he has already met with Miami, Denver and Tennessee. The Colts have plenty of cap space and could be looking for a new starter at the inside linebacker position.
Broncos workout former Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu
The Broncos worked out linebacker Lofa Tatupu on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former Pro Bowl linebacker has not appeared in a game since 2010. He has battled several injuries and this is his latest comeback attempt. Tatupu was in training camp with the Falcons in 2012 but was cut before the start of the season.
Raiders tender several exclusive rights free agents
The Raiders have tendered five of their exclusive rights free agents, according to USA Today's Tom Pelissero. The players likely returning for the 2014 season are offensive lineman Matt McCants, linebacker Kaelin Burnett, running back Jamize Olawale, cornerback Brandian Ross and running back Jeremy Stewart. The tendering of Stewart and Olawale is important because Rashad Jennings and Darren McFadden are set to become free agents.