Eagles make it official and release Cole

The Eagles officially released linebacker Trent Cole on Wednesday, one day after reports surfaced that his time with the organization would end after 10 seasons.

Cole, 32, is free to sign with any team even before free agency opens on Tuesday. The decision was made after the Eagles and Cole could not agree on a restructured contract.

"We spoke with Trent and his agent and expressed a desire to have him back," Eagles coach Chip Kelly said in a statement. "We have been talking for a couple of weeks. However, at this point, we think it's best to let him explore other options around the NFL."

That statement did not indicate what salary the Eagles wanted Cole to play under next season. The contract he signed in 2012 would have paid him a base salary of $10 million in 2015, with a salary-cap number of $11.625 million. By releasing Cole, the Eagles saved $8.425 million.

Cole has 851/2 regular-season sacks, second only to Reggie White's 124 sacks for the framchise.. Cole started 145 of 155 games during the last decade.

"Want to give a big thank you to all the Eagles fans," Cole wrote on Twitter. "I'm forever grateful for your support and loyalty through these last ten years."

Although Cole converted to an outside linebacker in the Eagles' 3-4 defense, he could draw interest as a defensive end from teams that play a 4-3. Cole's best seasons in Philadelphia came when the team used a 4-3.