Nnamdi Asomugha released by Eagles

Nnamdi Asomugha was released by the Eagles on Tuesday. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles have released cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, according to the team’s official Twitter feed.

The news was officially announced Tuesday afternoon. It comes as a reversal to reports the team gave earlier in March that Asomugha, who is set to make $15 million next season, would not be released by the team.

He signed a five-year, $60 million contract in 2011 and reports after this season began to surface that he would be released unless he was willing to restructure his contract. At the time of his signing, Asomugha had been to the Pro Bowl three straight years as a member of the Oakland Raiders.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Asomugha had been having discussions with the Eagles over a new contract but those talks broke down on Tuesday, and the team released him shortly after:

Asomugha and the Eagles spent recent days seeing if a restructured deal made sense for each side. But after discussions that started at the combine in Indianapolis and ended Tuesday, neither could bridge their differences.

In his two seasons with Philadelphia, the team went 8-8 and 4-12, respectively, and Andy Reid, then the head coach of the team, was let go after last season wrapped up.

Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman spoke highly of Asomugha at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, saying the cornerback has been a “true pro on and off the field” and added that the entire Eagles organization wishes him the best as he enters free agency:

“[Nnamdi Asomugha] has been a true pro on and off the field for this organization and our community. We wish [Asomugha] all the best as he continues his NFL career.”

#Eagles part ways with CB Nnamdi Asomugha and look ahead to NFL Free Agency at 4 p.m.—
Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 12, 2013

#Eagles GM Howie Roseman: [Nnamdi Asomugha] has been a true pro on and off the field for this organization and our community.—
Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 12, 2013

#Eagles GM Howie Roseman: We wish [Asomugha] all the best as he continues his NFL career.—
Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 12, 2013