THE CLOCK started ticking Monday, when NFL roster moves became possible, and it tolled in the Eagles' locker room for the first time Wednesday, when the team released cornerback Leodis McKelvin.
The move was not a surprise. McKelvin, 31, struggled last year, his first with the team, as the Eagles' defense nosedived in the second half of the season. McKelvin missed three games with injuries and was hobbled by a hamstring problem in several others.
Releasing McKelvin before the second year of the two-year deal he signed in 2016 saves the Eagles $3.2 million off their salary cap; they are expected to make several moves to gain some cap room for free agency, which starts March 9.