A pair of expensive, minimally productive NFL veterans was released on Monday, as the Philadelphia Eagles announced the jettisoning of wide receiver Miles Austin and the Seattle Seahawks reportedly chose to part ways with cornerback Cary Williams.
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer was the first with news of Austin's ousting. Austin, once a highly productive receiver with the Dallas Cowboys, fell on hard times in recent seasons, seemingly culminating in an injury-marred campaign with the Cleveland Browns in 2014. But Eagles head coach Chip Kelly took a chance on Austin this offseason (well, more than a chance, considering he handed him a one-year deal worth $2.225 million with $1 million guaranteed) and it wound up being about as ill-advised a decision as it first seemed.
Through 11 games Austin hauled in just 13 receptions on 31 targets for 224 yards and a single touchdown. Worse than his limited output was the overwhelmingly negative impact Austin seemed to have on the Eagle offense. He had a number of drops, specifically at crucial junctures in games, and saw the ball intercepted on at least a couple of instances on throws where he was targeted.
It's safe to say that Austin's signing was one of Kelly's worst in his first year as the Philadelphia GM. Interestingly, Howard Eskin reports that there was "pressure" from inside the Eagles organization for Kelly to part ways with Austin. No word on where that pressure was supposedly coming from, though it wouldn't be surprising to hear it came from owner Jeffrey Lurie or perhaps other players on the team who felt that Austin wasn't pulling his weight.
Same sources tell me Chip Kelly was getting some pressure from within to cut Miles Austin and #Eagles finally did it. @FOX29philly
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) December 7, 2015
Austin was a healthy inactive for the Eagles' upset victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday for the first time this season. In his place former practice squadder Jonathan Krause played and made his first NFL catch. Krause figures to continue on in the wide receiver rotation in Austin's absence.
As for the Seahawks, Williams was signed to a big money deal this offseason, much like Austin. Despite being handed a three-year, $18 million deal with $7 million guaranteed, Williams is now out on the street, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
The #Seahawks are releasing CB Cary Williams, source said. A big-money free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2015
Williams, 30, started the first 10 games of the season for Seattle, amassing 46 tackles, one forced fumble and four passes defensed. He was a surprising inactive for the Seahawks the last two weeks and despite injuries to the Seattle secondary, has apparently been discarded.
