Eagles Release DeMeco Ryans

Mufasa is no more.

Perhaps the leader of the Philadelphia Eagles defense the last several seasons, DeMeco Ryans, has been released.

The move was first reported by Zach Berman and Reuben Frank.

The move doesnt come at much of a surprise with the surplus of inside linebackers and a potential scheme change to a 4-3 base defense. Rookie linebacker Jordan Hicks burst onto the scene before suffering a season ending injury.

The move will save about $3.25 million against the cap and doesnt quite fit with what this team is trying to do long term.

The move will also allow a veteran player like Ryans to get out onto the market and gauge his value before free agency begins.

It's the NFL ---or The Circle of Life.