The Philadelphia Eagles opted to waive former first-round draft pick Derek Barnett on Friday after seven seasons, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. Barnett requested a trade from the Eagles earlier this season due to his reduced playing time, however, a trade never materialized.
The former Vol has spent his entire professional career, starting in 2017, with Philadelphia. However, after starting 15 games in 2021, he tore his ACL in 2022 and only appeared in one game.
Over the course of his career, Barnett has 21.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss. This season, he’s posted just three tackles, including one tackle for loss, in eight games played.
A first-round pick in 2017, Barnett had another season left on his contract with the Eagles. He signed a three-year deal for $15.21 million in March of 2022. Now a free agent, Barnett is free to sign with a new team for the first time in his career.
Even without the former star’s contributions this season, the Eagles are leading the league with a 9-1 record. Linebacker Haason Reddick and edge rusher Josh Sweat lead the Philadelphia defense with 8.5 and 6.5 sacks apiece, respectively.
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