The Eagles did the humane thing with Jason Avant, releasing the veteran wide receiver soon enough to give him a chance to find a job when free agency begins next Tuesday.

"In the year I spent with Jason he was unbelievable in terms of his work ethic and his selfless nature," head coach Chip Kelly said in a statement furnished by the team. "He was a great teammate. ... I had a chance to speak with him today and he handled himself like the true professional he is."

Last week the Eagles signed wide receiver Riley Cooper to a five-year contract and Jason Maclin to a one-year deal. With the 22nd and 54th overall picks, they're positioned to scoop up a solid wide receiver ... and possibly two ... in the May 8 NFL draft.

In eight seasons the fourth-round draft pick out of Michigan State had 297 receptions for 3,646 yards  (12.3 average) and 12 touchdowns.

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