Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles released former Tennessee Vols star Derek Barnett earlier this season. 

Barnett, a first round selection by the Eagles in the 2017 NFL Draft, was in his seventh season with the franchise. 

Prior to his release, Barnett was barely able to get onto the field for the Eagles. In fact, he was inactive for the final two games (against the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs) that he was on Philadelphia's roster. 

After getting released by the Eagles, Barnett, who holds the record for the most career sacks at Tennessee, signed with the Houston Texans. 

And the former Vol has thrived since landing in the Lone Star state. 

Barnett has totaled 2.5 sacks over the last three weeks. And he leads all edge rushers in quarterback hits during that span. 

To make matters worse for Philadelphia, Barnett has five more pressures than any Eagles defender has over the last two weeks (via Gregg Rosenthal). 

It may not have felt like it at the time, but getting cut by the Eagles was the best thing that could've happened for Barnett's career. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump
Odell Beckham Jr. reveals why he was 'hesitant' to join Dolphins
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars