DeMeco Ryans

The Philadelphia Eagles have released veteran LB DeMeco Ryans on Wednesday. The move will save Philadelphia $3.5 million against the cap.

Fantasy Impact

DeMeco Ryans' stint in Philadelphia is over after four seasons. The injury-prone linebacker missed 10 games over the past two years and could possibly attempt to extend his career with another organization at a discounted price.

The Eagles were down 7-0 and the Giants were driving again and in scoring range before DeMeco Ryans made a huge play by ripping the ball right out of the hands of TE Larry Donnell for the takeaway.

Fantasy Impact

“It was huge and I think that play really sparked the defense,” Ryans said. “They took the first drive and went right down the field and scored and then came back with another drive and it was not looking good. I knew we had to do something to stop them. I’m happy I was able to be the guy to make that play.” Ryans also recovered a fumble in the game and had 5 solo tackles but he also left in the 2nd half with a hamstring injury.

DeMeco Ryans found his way back into game shape as he took a few snaps against the Packers in their preseason game this past weekend. Coming back from an Achilles injury this was big news for the Eagles LB core.

Fantasy Impact

“It was nice to get back out there and see some live action. It kind of ended so quickly, I wanted to stay in a lot longer than I was out there,” said Ryans, who missed a big part of the 2014 season with an Achilles injury. In limited snaps Ryans did make a solo tackle in the preseason game against the Packers.

After missing half the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon the 30-year-old Ryans the Eagles could have easily moved on from him. This is especially true after the Eagles trading for Kiko Alonso which made them younger and quicker on defense all at once. That was not the case and the Eagles actually did the opposite and rewarded Ryans with a new 2-year contract. Ryans is a leader on this defense and he has seemed to buy into what type of football player Chip Kelly wants on his team.

Fantasy Impact

Ryans could take a major dip in production as the Eagles have more talent and depth at the LB position then they have had in years. Ryans will remain a key leader on the defense but as far as IDP production goes his best years are behind him.

The Eagles continue to shore up their LB core for the 2015 season once again with securing DeMeco Ryans for the next two seasons. The new deal is a two-year contract worth $7.5 million in base salary.

Fantasy Impact

Look for Ryans to bring continued leadership to the Eagles defense as he will most likely be third string to the emerging Mychal Kendricks and newcomer ILB Kiko Alonso. After suffering a second torn Achilles' tendon in 2015, Ryans might be looking at more of a part time player on defense rather than his full time ILB status he has had over his 9 year career. He is trending down for IDP purposes.