Eagles release guard Todd Herremans

The Eagles will release veteran offensive lineman Todd Herremans, according to league sources. Herremans had been one of the team's two longest-tenured players after spending the first 10 years of his career in Philadelphia. The move gives the Eagles more salary-cap space, but it also leaves them with a vacancy at right guard.

The team did not make any announcement Thursday.

Herremans, 32, started 124 of his 127 games in an Eagles uniform. He missed 16 games due to injury during the last two seasons. Two years remained on a contract Herremans signed in 2012, so this decision cuts short the Eagles career of a respected player in the organization who built a presence in the Philadelphia community.

Trent Cole, who was drafted one round after Herremans in April 2005, now has the most tenure on the team.

The transaction gives the Eagles more flexibility entering free agency, which begins March 10. Herremans had a salary-cap number of $5.2 million, and releasing him will save the Eagles $2.8 million of cap space. The Eagles have around $27 million in cap space.

Herremans was never a Pro Bowl player, but he developed into a valuable lineman and was lauded for his versatility, professionalism, and toughness. Most of his time came as a left guard, even though he played four positions - every line spot except center - and often played hurt. Before Herremans missed eight games last season with a torn biceps, he played one game with the injury and the first half of the next game before he could no longer continue.

Herremans also caught two touchdowns passes in his career - once in 2008 against Dallas and again in 2010 against Seattle.

Without Herremans, the Eagles need a new starter at right guard. The top internal option is likely Allen Barbre, a 31-year-old tackle/guard who signed a three-year contract extension in June. Barbre missed 15 games last season with an ankle injury. The Eagles also return Andrew Gardner and Matthew Tobin, both of whom started games at right guard last season.

The Eagles could look to free agency and the draft to plug the spot. The top interior lineman expected to hit the market is San Francisco's Mike Iupati, a three-time Pro Bowl player who will turn 28 next season. However, Iupati might command a significant contract and has spent his career exclusively at left guard.

The free-agent market also includes Denver's Orlando Franklin, who played for Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland for four years at the University of Miami. Seattle's James Carpenter, a former first-round pick, has starting experience and is only 25.

The Eagles were already in need of young, developmental linemen. Left tackle Jason Peters and left guard Evan Mathis are both 33, and the Eagles drafted only one offensive lineman in the last two seasons. So this spring's draft will be a good place to find depth for the right side. The Eagles might look for a prospect with the versatility to play both tackle and guard, which Kelly likes in his offensive linemen - and will be valuable as the line changes in future seasons.

In other words, the Eagles can use a younger, less-expensive Todd Herremans.

Trent Cole (LB)

Drafted in 2005

Jon Dorenbos (LS)

Signed in 2006

Brent Celek (TE)

Drafted in 2007

Jason Peters (OT)

Acquired by trade

in 2009

Jeremy Maclin (WR)

Drafted in 2009

LeSean McCoy (RB)

Drafted in 2009

- Zach BermanEndText

Guards who could replace Todd Herremans on the Eagles' offensive line:

Free Agents

Mike Iupati

49ers

Stefen Wisniewski Raiders

Orlando Franklin Broncos

James Carpenter Seahawks

Draft Prospects

Brandon Schreff

Iowa

A.J. Cann

South Carolina

Tre Jackson

Florida State

Laken Tomlinson

Duke   EndText