Tennessee Vols record holder is looking for a new NFL team

The writing was on the wall for Derek Barnett with the Philadelphia Eagles. The former starter and Super Bowl champion with the Eagles had been phased out of the team's plans in the preseason. Now, the sides are officially parting ways. Per Adam Schefter, the Eagles are waiving Barnett on Friday Barnett was exploring trade […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Nov 24, 2023 3:10 PM EST

The writing was on the wall for Derek Barnett with the Philadelphia Eagles. The former starter and Super Bowl champion with the Eagles had been phased out of the team's plans in the preseason.

Now, the sides are officially parting ways. Per Adam Schefter, the Eagles are waiving Barnett on Friday

Eagles are waiving DE Derek Barnett today, per sources. The 14th overall pick of the 2017 Draft is expected to draw interest and find a new home soon. pic.twitter.com/JMX9ciHJzd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2023

Barnett was exploring trade options back in August. The Eagles have an outstanding collection of edge rushers in Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Nolan Smith. As such, Barnett was effectively phased out based on the talent of the Eagles' roster and the fact that he missed most of the 2022 season after suffering a torn ACL against the Lions in the season opener.

Now he will have to find a new place to call his football home. Schefter is right; Barnett should draw significant interest. Pass rushing help is always at a premium, and that's especially the case later in the season when teams are dealing with injuries and depth issues.

Barnett is a name that Tennessee Vols fans recall fondly. He was a force during the Vols' memorable 2016 season, totaling 13 sacks for the year. He recorded multiple sacks in Tennessee's thrilling wins over Florida and Georgia. But it was in the bowl game to end that season – and Barnett's career – that he made himself a Volunteer legend. He recorded his 33rd career sack in the Vols' win over Nebraska in the Music City Bowl, passing Reggie White for first place on the school's all-time list.

Now, Barnett will look to continue his accomplished football career at a new location. Hopefully it's one that will afford the Vol for Life a better opportunity than what he's had lately in the City of Brotherly Love.