Eagles look to get younger at offensive line

Add offensive line — specifically offensive guard — to the list of needs for the Eagles as the offseason continues.

The Birds decided to cut ties with lineman Todd Herremans Thursday, a move that comes as a surprise to many but indicates Chip Kelly’s desire to get younger up front.

The 32-year-old missed the second half of the 2014 season after tearing a biceps muscle in Arizona.

The rest of the Eagles’ offensive line is comprised of veterans, all of whom helped the Birds and their historically healthy and productive line in 2013 propel LeSean McCoy and the run game to a banner year. Jason Peters is 33-years-old while Evan Mathis is 30.

One of Herremans’ strengths was versatility, as he started at every position on the line during his nine-year career in Philly except for center.

Salary cap-wise, the Eagles will save $2.8 million against their salary cap for 2015, but will lose $2.4 million in dead money.

If no one is picked up to replace Herremans, Allen Barbre, who filled in admirably as the Eagles pieced together a make-shift line in 2014 would be the starter, but there will likely be some sort of roster acquisition made.

With the Eagles expected to work on their secondary in the draft, offensive line could be their second-biggest area of need.

Free agency begins March 10, with the draft still a ways away at the end of April.

Todd Herremansstarted 124 games for the Eagles. The longest-tenured player on the team is Trent Cole, who has started 145 games for the Birds.