Philadelphia, PA

Defensive end Jason Babin admitted he was caught by surprise after receiving news that he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, who are currently mired in a seven-game losing streak.

"Anytime your cell phone rings and it says Andy Reid, you know it's not good," Babin said.

However, Babin said he readily accepted his fate, saying that no player was untouchable and citing quarterback Peyton Manning's case as example when he was released by the Indianapolis Colts.

"In the game of football, you can never be too sure of anything," Babin said.

Babin's release came after the team had earlier placed starting receiver DeSean Jackson on injured reserve with fractured ribs.

"We appreciate everything that Jason has given this team over the last couple of years. We wish him all the best as he continues his career," coach Andy Reid said in a statement.

"By releasing him today, this gives us an opportunity to give more playing time to some of the younger guys in the defensive line rotation," Reid added.

The 32-year-old Babin had a career-best 18 sacks for the Eagles last season after re-signing with the team as a free agent two offseasons ago with a five-year, $28 million contract. He had 5.5 sacks this season.

Babin, for his part, is confident that he will find a new team.

"I like to win, I like to compete and I like to sack the quarterback. I imagine there's a team out there looking for that," Babin said.

The Eagles fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo on Oct. 16, but Philadelphia has actually performed worse under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. The Eagles have allowed more than 30 points in four of the five games since Castillo's firing.

 

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