On the first day NFL teams could again make roster moves, the Philadelphia Eagles took care of some long expected business, releasing wide receiver Riley Cooper. Cooper, a former fifth-round pick by the Eagles who, during his time with the team was likely most well-known for uttering a racial epithet while at a Kenny Chesney concert during Chip Kelly's first offseason in Philly, had become an expensive and unnecessary piece with Kelly's ousting with one game left to play.
The move will save Philadelphia $2.9 million against the cap. Cooper was set to make $5.3 million in 2016 and his deal carries a $2.4 million dead cap penalty, according to Les Bowen of Philly.com.
Cooper had a promising season in 2013, his first under Kelly. He collected just 47 receptions, but they went for a whopping 835 yards and 8 touchdowns. Since then though, his numbers have consistently dropped, falling to 327 yards this past season, the worst of his career since signing a five-year, $22.5 million extension.
There was much talk this past season in Philadelphia whether Cooper's snaps wouldn't be best served going to another younger, more capable receiver. But Kelly, enamored with the big-bodied Cooper's abilities as a blocker, was adamant that he and Miles Austin remain on the field, sharing snaps.
Austin, released midseason, and Cooper are now both gone as the Eagles continue to purge Kelly's "guys" from the roster.
