In a surprising move, the Philadelphia Eagles have made the decision to waive veteran defensive end Derek Barnett, according to sources close to the team. The news, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, marks the end of Barnett's tenure with the Eagles, who drafted him 14th overall in 2017 from the University of Tennessee.

During his time with the Volunteers, Barnett made quite a name for himself, even breaking Reggie White's team record for the most career sacks. This impressive feat caught the attention of the Eagles, who had high hopes for the young talent.

Barnett quickly made an impact as a rookie, showcasing his skills on the field during Philadelphia's Super Bowl run. He recorded an impressive five sacks and 16 quarterback hits, helping the team secure the championship title.

However, despite his promising start, Barnett struggled to consistently perform at the same level over the years. His sack numbers never exceeded 6.5 in a single season, leaving some fans disappointed and questioning his long-term potential.

The decline in Barnett's playing time was evident starting in 2022, and it was no secret that both the player and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, were exploring potential trade opportunities to secure more game time. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported in August that Barnett and Rosenhaus were testing the market, but no suitable deals materialized.

Barnett's diminishing role was further highlighted when he was listed as a healthy inactive in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, he was ruled out for the Eagles' recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs due to unspecified personal reasons, as stated by the team.

With the decision to waive Barnett, his stint in Philadelphia comes to an end, wrapping up a career that saw him accumulate 21.5 sacks over 73 games. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 27-year-old defensive end, as he becomes a free agent and enters the next phase of his professional journey.

The Eagles' move to part ways with Barnett signals a significant change for the team's defense. It opens up opportunities for younger players to seize the spotlight and contribute to the squad's ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen their roster.

As fans and pundits digest this surprising news, all eyes will be on the Eagles as they continue to navigate the challenges of the current season and shape their team for the future.