The Philadelphia Eagles released former Tennessee Vols star Derek Barnett earlier this season.
Barnett, a first round selection by the Eagles in the 2017 NFL Draft, was in his seventh season with the franchise.
Prior to his release, Barnett was barely able to get onto the field for the Eagles. In fact, he was inactive for the final two games (against the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs) that he was on Philadelphia's roster.
After getting released by the Eagles, Barnett, who holds the record for the most career sacks at Tennessee, signed with the Houston Texans.
And the former Vol has thrived since landing in the Lone Star state.
Barnett has totaled 2.5 sacks over the last three weeks. And he leads all edge rushers in quarterback hits during that span.
Look away Eagles fans - Derek Barnett has been thriving since he left Philly. pic.twitter.com/ftJg3Jpe2M
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) January 4, 2024
To make matters worse for Philadelphia, Barnett has five more pressures than any Eagles defender has over the last two weeks (via Gregg Rosenthal).
Derek Barnett has 5 more pressures over the last 2 weeks than any Eagles defender
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) January 4, 2024
It may not have felt like it at the time, but getting cut by the Eagles was the best thing that could've happened for Barnett's career.
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