Patrick Causey, on Twitter @PhillySportsPMC
The Philadelphia Eagles released safety Earl Wolff Friday night, one day after the oft-injured safety had another surgery on his knee. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer was the first to report the release.
The release was likely brought about due to the surgery, which Wolff confirmed on Twitter a few hours ago:
Surgery was successful yesterday. Want to thank the @Eagles organization for giving me the opportunity. God has a plan for me #FlyEaglesFly
— Earl Wolff (@Ewolff28) August 21, 2015
Wolff was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He flashed potential in his rookie season, starting six games. But a knee injury in November 2013 has limited his effectiveness and playing time since, forcing the safety to miss all but one game last year.
Kelly and Wolff's relationship slowly started to deteriorate as a result. Wolff has been medically cleared by doctors on several occasions, but has not been able to play consistently. Kelly has not shied away from making his frustration with Wolff evident, especially during press conferences.
Given their rocky relationship, this offseason was considered make or break for Wolff. He started off on the wrong foot; missing all of the voluntary spring practices because of his knee. While Wolff was a full participant for the first week plus of training camp, he eventually ended up back on the sideline, again with knee soreness.
Wolff met with the training staff, and eventually doctors. The knee surgery, and his release, followed soon thereafter.
You have to feel for Wolff. The kid has talent; but he just cannot stay healthy. The following was retweeted on Wolff's Twitter page, suggesting he is hopeful to play again this year:
@Ewolff28 waived by #Eagles today. Surgery yest. QUOTE: "I will play NFL this year, God isn't finished w/me" pic.twitter.com/xACkVZzotC
— BigHal Nunn (@BigHalNunn) August 21, 2015
Malcolm Jenkins is the only reliable option for the Eagles at safety. Walter Thurmond is the other projected starting safety, but he has only played 36 of 80 career games due to injury. After that? It is slim pickings. Jerome Couplin, Ed Reynolds, Chris Maragos and Chris Prosinski are the only other safeties on the roster, and none of them project as starting caliber safeties.
The fact that the Eagles were willing to release Wolff despite that lack of depth is telling. The Eagles obviously grew frustrated with Wolff's injury history, and thought they were better off without him, even if they don't seem to have a viable replacement.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that the Eagles might be interested in Taylor Mays, who was just released by the Detroit Lions today. While Mays was a second round pick in the 2010 Draft of the San Francisco 49ers, he does not offer much in terms of upside. He's started only four games in his career, and has 98 tackles and one forced fumble. In other words, even if the Eagles sign Mays, it is highly unlikely that he would make an impact for the team.
