The Jacksonville Jaguars released defensive end Jared Odrick on Monday and the 29-year-old could be a fit for the Eagles and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s scheme.
Odrick has the versatility to play both defensive tackle and defensive end but finished last season with 12 tackles and 1.0 sack after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 6 last season with the Jaguars and finishing the season on injured reserve.
In 87 career games, Odrick has 136 tackles, 23.0 sacks and five forced fumbles in his seven-year career.
Odrick led the Jaguars in sacks with 5.5 in 2015 after agreeing on a contract worth $42.5 million with $22 million guaranteed.
Jacksonville freed up $8.5 million in cap space by releasing Odrick. The Penn State product is unlikely to command anywhere near that type of deal on the open market after two of the least productive seasons of his career but could draw interest from teams as a viable option available before the rest of the impending free agents hit the open market.
Eagles offseason blueprint
Given the fact that the Eagles managed just 35 sacks as a team last season, could be on the verge of moving on from Connor Barwin — who costs $7.75 million against the cap this season — and could be in the market for adding a pass rusher, Odrick to the Eagles could be a fit.
The Eagles will likely be spending this offseason looking to add a pass rusher, but this year’s draft class lacks quality depth at defensive end with the best prospects at the position likely going off the board in the first or second round.
Given the lack of quality defensive end draft prospects, mining the free agent market or inking a veteran such as Odrick could be the best possible route to filling the need.
If the price is right, Odrick could play his way into a role in Schwartz’s rotation of defensive ends.
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975.
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