The Philadelphia Eagles released offensive lineman Demetress Bell on Wednesday, less than a year after signing him in free agency to be their starting left tackle, according to Adam Caplan.
For more on Bell and the Eagles, visit Bleeding Green Nation
When Jason Peters suffered an Achilles injury that cost him the 2012 season, Philadlephia inked Bell to a five-year contract worth $35 million to replace him. The contract, however, contained no guaranteed money beyond the first year making it an easy choice for the Eagles to release Bell after he struggled in 2012.
Bell was considered to be one of the up-and-coming left tackles during his career with Buffalo, but after signing with the Eagles he struggled to work his way up the depth chart. Bell struggled to adapt to Philadelphia's system and ultimately lost the starting left tackle job to King Dunlap.
He continued to struggle throughout the season and was a healthy inactive several weeks. He played in nine games in 2012 including five starts. Bell's contract called for an $8.5 million roster bonus in 2013. The 28-year-old will hit the free agent market for a second straight year but is likely to earn less than the $3.25 million he made last season.