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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Trent Cole (No. 58), shown sacking Tennessee Titans’ Zach Mettenberger (7) last season, was released by the team Wednesday in another salary cap move that followed the trade of popular Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles 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 85½ sacks in 10 seasons, trailing only Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White. A two-time Pro Bowl selection (in 2007 and 2009) and an All-Pro pick in 2009, Cole appeared in 155 games with the Eagles. He had 795 tackles and 20 multi-sack games.

The Eagles also released longtime starting offensive lineman Todd Herremans and third-string tight end James Casey last week. They cut starting cornerback Cary Williams hours before the LeSean McCoy trade on Tuesday.

Overall, the Eagles saved nearly $21 million under the salary cap on four moves: $7.5 million for McCoy, $6.5 million for Williams, $4 million for Casey and $2.8 million for Herremans. More money-saving cuts are expected. They saved $8.4 million on Cole.

“We spoke with Trent and his agent and expressed a desire to have him back,” Eagles coach Chip Kelly said. “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.”