PHILADELPHIA -- The release of Todd Herremans by the Philadelphia Eagles wasn't a surprise. That was reported by ESPN's Adam Caplan a day earlier.

The first offseason communication from Eagles coach Chip Kelly was a bit of a surprise. The Eagles' press release on Herremans included a quote from Kelly. That tells you a little bit about the respect Herremans had earned in the organization he represented for 10 years.

“Todd has been the ultimate professional during my two years in Philadelphia with him,” Kelly said. “He is a tough player and I wish him all of the best as he moves forward in his NFL career. I spoke to him earlier today and one of the things I told him was that by releasing him now, he will have a full opportunity to explore all of his options around the league.”

That is no small thing. The Eagles did the same for tight end James Casey earlier in the week. With free agency set to begin in two weeks, Casey has already visited a handful of teams around the league. Herremans, who has played every position on the offensive line except center, should be able to catch on with another team.

There are logical contenders. The Kansas City Chiefs are coached by Andy Reid, who drafted Herremans in 2005 and who started Herremans in over 100 games. Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Juan Castillo held the same job with the Eagles when Herremans got to the league.

Herremans, 32, finished the 2014 season on injured reserve after tearing his left biceps.