Eagles release Brent Celek

Brent Celek is no longer the longest tenured Philadelphia Eagle.

The 33-year-old tight end was released on Tuesday, freeing up $4 million in salary cap space. With Lane Johnson’s restructure, which opened up $7.5 million of salary cap space, and Celek’s departure, the Eagles are now under the salary cap prior to Wednesday’s deadline.

Roster Move: #Eagles have released TE Brent Celek. pic.twitter.com/hWOJWhyaRq

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2018

Here was the Eagles’ statement on Celek’s release.

Brent Celek defines what it means to be a Philadelphia Eagle. His dedication to his profession and this organization is unmatched and he will go down as one of the best tight ends in franchise history. Brent embodies the City of Philadelphia’s temperament and character with his toughness and grit. He has been a huge part of everything we have been building over the last decade and it is only fitting that he was able to help us win our first Super Bowl last season. Unfortunately, in this business we are forced to make difficult decisions, especially this time of year. This one is as tough as they come, but in our eyes, Brent will always be an Eagle.

I wouldn’t rule out a scenario where Celek returns and takes significantly less money – I’m talking playing for the dead money amount of $1 million. Blocking is not a strong suit of Zach Ertz and with

Former Eagles’ TE Trey Burton intends to sign a 4-year, $32 million deal with the Bears, as @MikeGarafolo reported.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018

“>Trey Burton moving on to Chicago, bringing him back would be important for the multiple tight end sets. I also look for second-year tight end Billy Brown to get snaps next year, but blocking is a weakness for him as well.

Celek, who was selected by the Birds in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, recorded a career-low 13 receptions for 130 yards last season.