Explaining the confusing Vinny Curry report

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The Eagles are expected to release Vinny Curry … unless they don't.

On Sunday evening, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted the Eagles were expected to release the veteran defensive end. Then, he said the Eagles are attempting to restructure his contract. Then, he said other teams are interested in trading for Curry.

So … we don't really know much yet.

But it would make sense if the Eagles do end up cutting ties with Curry.

The move wouldn't be a surprising one, but it would be a harsh reminder the NFL is still a business, even after winning a Super Bowl. In Curry's case, the money simply doesn't seem to work. And the Eagles have to get under the salary cap by March 14.

Curry, 29, is set to have a cap hit of $11 million in 2018. While he had his best NFL season in 2017, that's simply too high, especially with last year's first-round pick Derek Barnett waiting for his opportunity to start.

The Eagles have two options if they cut Curry. Cutting him now, it would save the Eagles $5 million in much-needed cap space in 2018, but will also leave them with $6 million in dead money thanks to the final three years left on his deal. The Eagles could also designate Curry as a post-June 1 cut, which would free up more cap space this year ($9 million) and spilt the rest of the cost over the final three years of the contract. That might be attractive to the Eagles this season.

Curry was a second-rounder back in 2012 out of Marshall. The Neptune, New Jersey, native grew up as an Eagles fan and clearly has a bond with the city and his teammates. Over his six seasons with the Eagles, he's played in 84 games with all 16 of his starts coming in 2017, when he got to show off his ability as a run-stuffer in addition to pass-rushing.

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