The Philadelphia Eagles announce they have released linebacker Trent Cole.
A fifth-round draft choice of the Eagles in 2005 out of Cincinnati, the 32-year-old Cole ranks second in Eagles history with 85.5 sacks in 10 seasons, trailing only Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White. A two-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 09) and an All-Pro honoree in 2009, Cole appeared in 155 games (145 starts) in a Philadelphia uniform, totaling 795 tackles and 20 multi-sack games.
"We spoke with Trent and his agent and expressed a desire to have him back," said Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. "We have been talking for a couple of weeks. However, at this point, we think it's best to let him explore other options around the NFL."
Trent Cole, released by the Eagles Wednesday, remains one of the best players in franchise history ...
LB Trent Cole was a 5th round draft pick of the Eagles in 2005
LB Trent Cole was a pro bowler in 2007 and 2009
Cole posted double-digit sack numbers in 4 seasons throughout his career
In 2009, Cole was selected as second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press
He had 20 career multi-sack games during his time as an Eagle
With 20 career multi-sack games, Cole ranks third in Eagles history in this category
Throughout his career, Cole racked up 85.5 sacks
His 85.5 career sacks ranks him second on the Eagles All-Time Sack list, only behind Reggie White
From 2006-2008 Cole was named to USA Today's All-Joe team, which honors the NFL players whose work doesn't necessarily garner headlines, but is integral to the success of their football team
In 9 seasons with the Eagles, Cole tallied 795 tackles
He also provided the team with 47 tackles during playoff games
In 9 seasons, Cole was listed as inactive only 4 times
Cole had 3.5 sacks in a 2007 game against Detroit, the most in a single game of his career
In 2007 against Minnesota, Cole had a career high in tackles with 13
In 2008, Cole blocked a 47-yard field goal attempt, the only one of his career
While playing against Washington in 2013, Cole tackled Alfred Morris in the end zone for the only safety of his career
Cole had 19 forced fumbles during his career
Cole's career sacks came against 50 different quarterbacks
Cole sacked Eli Manning 9 times, the most of any QB
Cole's lone touchdown came against the Giants in 2006 when he returned a 19-yard interception for a score
