Eagles release receiver Jason Avant

The Eagles wide receiving corps will not include veteran Jason Avant in 2014. Credit: Getty Images

After eight productive and memorable seasons in Philadelphia, the Eagles have parted ways with wide receiver Jason Avant.

Avant ranks 11th in team history with 297 receptions for 3,646 yards and 12 touchdowns and has been with the Birds since they drafted him out of Michigan in the fourth round of the 2006 draft.

“There have not been any players who have represented the Philadelphia Eagles with more class and dignity than Jason Avant,” Eagles Chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “Whether it was in the locker room, on the playing field or in the community, he has always been a true professional, a role model and a winner every step of the way. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish Jason and his wife Stacy, and their two daughters, nothing but the best as he continues his fine career.”

Avant seems to be a casualty of numbers as Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper will all return and command considerable salary in 2014.

“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. “He was a great teammate. We know he will have a chance to sign with another team and by releasing him now, he will have a full offseason to make the necessary adjustments. I had a chance to speak with him today and he handled himself like the true professional he is.”