February 08, 2016
The Philadelphia Eagles announced today that they have released Riley Cooper, which was long overdue. Cooper was scheduled to count for $5.3 million against the salary cap in 2016. With Cooper's release, the Eagles will save $2.9 million on their cap, with $2.4 million in "dead money."
In February 2014, Cooper signed a five-year extension worth $22,500,000, and for that the Birds sure did get themselves racial tension and some super-terrific blocking. Obviously, they didn't get much catching and running, as Cooper averaged 28.3 receiving yards per game in the 32 games he played since signing his deal. In fact, there was a three-game stretch against the Panthers, Cowboys and Dolphins in which Cooper didn't even have a pass come his way.
This offseason was the first opportunity the Eagles had to save money by releasing Cooper, whereas in the past it would have cost them more to cut him than keep him. It seemed Chip Kelly was among Cooper's few supporters. With Kelly gone, the Eagles rid themselves of Cooper the first chance they got.
Cooper is perhaps best known for a video that captured him shouting racial slurs at a Kenny Chesney concert in Philadelphia in July 2013.
Cooper may find it difficult to catch on with another team, as his skills may not be in high enough demand to risk a negative reaction from other players.
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