After roughly two years filled to the brim with injuries, inconsistency, and debate, the Eagles have made a big decision and executed what was somewhat of a predictable, yet impacting move nonetheless: offensive lineman Shawn Andrews has been released.

In spite of signs early in his career that pointed to a lengthy, successful, and dominant tenure in the NFL, Andrews struggled with personal issues and recurring physical pain over the last few seasons, and finally reached the end of his short-lived stint in midnight green that not too long ago was projected to be magnificent.

Originally selected in the first round of the 2004 draft, Andrews became a fan favorite in his first few seasons in Philadelphia. A massive figure on the field at 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, the Arkansas product demonstrated many glimpses of quality play in practice and games. After missing nearly his entire rookie campaign because of a broken leg, Andrews returned in 2005 as a top-tier lineman, earning a Pro-Bowl appearance and helping running back Brian Westbrook gain over 1,000 yards on the ground.

Andrews’ stellar blocking at that time also helped Donovan McNabb achieve great measures at the quarterback position, benefitting greatly from the reduced pressure coming from opposing defenders. Andrews also went to the Pro Bowl in 2007, and seemed to be on his way to sure stardom when he received a contract extension from the Eagles that was set to keep him in Philly until 2015. However, a sudden bout with depression emerged into his life, and multiple injuries began to sideline him for extensive periods of time. He played in only two games in 2008, and missed all of them in 2009 after being placed on the season-ending injured reserve list.

Despite a load of potential and the distinct possibility that he could have returned in 2010 in a dominant form once again, Andrews clearly had not done enough this off-season and during the 2009 campaign to convince the organization that he can still be of assistance. Therefore, he was cut in a transaction that was both somewhat projected and also a bit of a shock, considering his high status around the league and early-career achievements. Money may have also played a big factor in his release, for Andrews was among the top recipients of salary space for Philadelphia

Shawn’s older brother Stacy was brought onto the team last off-season via free agency, and it was hoped that he could play many years alongside his sibling. However, that clearly will not happen (barring the extremely slight chance Shawn returns to the team at some other point in time). Stacy is likely to remain an Eagle, though, as he agreed to restructure his contract earlier in the offseason so that some money would be freed up and his lack of production in 2009 would be payed for, in a way.

“We appreciate the efforts and contributions of Shawn while he was in Philadelphia. We have, however, decided to move in another direction.”

– Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid

That other direction Reid mentioned is believed to involve Winston Justice, a four year veteran tackle who made played in Andrews’ position for the entire season last year and performed quite well. In fact, he received a new deal as a result of his success, and was expected to take over a leading spot on the offensive line.

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