Former Vols DE Derek Barnett reportedly eyeing exit from Philadelphia

It could be the end of an era for a former Tennessee Volunteer who helped make Eagles fans' dreams come true. DE Derek Barnett's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is reportedly exploring options for Barnett outside of Philadelphia, the franchise who drafted him with the first round (14th overall pick) of the 2017 NFL Draft. Barnett established […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Aug 28, 2023 6:01 PM EDT

It could be the end of an era for a former Tennessee Volunteer who helped make Eagles fans' dreams come true.

DE Derek Barnett's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is reportedly exploring options for Barnett outside of Philadelphia, the franchise who drafted him with the first round (14th overall pick) of the 2017 NFL Draft.

#Eagles DE Derek Barnett, through agent Drew Rosenhaus, is gauging the market for the potential to play more elsewhere, per sources. Philly plans to keep Barnett but understands a deep pass-rush roster limits playing time. The 2017 first-round pick should have trade value. pic.twitter.com/lq4KrNNFsC
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 28, 2023

Barnett established himself as one of the greatest pass rushers in the history of Tennessee football in 2016. In the Music City Bowl against Nebraska, Barnett tabbed his 33rd career sack, which passed the legendary Reggie White for most in school history.

Derek Barnett registers his 33rd sack to become the all-time sack leader at Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/518tUtUQXb
— 104-5 The Zone ? (@1045TheZone) December 31, 2016

Barnett carried that productivity quickly to the NFL. In his rookie season, Barnett made a big difference in the Eagles' run to a Super Bowl championship. In 15 games as a backup, he rolled up 5 sacks, but it was in the playoffs where he made some particularly memorable plays. He had a sack and a forced fumble in the NFC Championship game against the Vikings and recovered a fumble in the Super Bowl against the Patriots.

However, a very deep and talented defensive end roster will make it tough for Barnett, who missed almost all of the 2022 season with a torn ACL, to see the field this fall. The Eagles have an embarrassment of riches at the position, which includes Nolan Smith, Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham, and Josh Sweat.

Barnett has had a good bit to offer teams before last year's season-ending knee injury. From 2017-2021, he had 30 or more pressures in 4 of those 5 seasons.

However, as is the case in the NFL, you're only as good as the guy looking to replace you, and Barnett is no exception to that philosophy. With pass rush at a premium and teams looking to upgrade their rosters, Barnett could have a number of opportunities to continue his career elsewhere and have a bounce back season in 2023.