Trent Cole, whom the Eagles released Wednesday after being unable to agree on a pay cut, will visit the Buccaneers first, according to a league source.
“On his way,” the source said.
ESPN's Adam Caplan first reported the news.
The Eagles haven’t slammed the door on Cole’s return. They saved nearly $8.5 million by cutting him after several days of negotiations but could bring him back if he doesn't receive an offer to his liking from another team.
Veteran cornerback Cary Williams, a salary cap casualty who was cut loose Tuesday after two seasons with the Eagles, will visit with the Seahawks, according to an NFL Network report. The Eagles saved $6.5 million in cap space by releasing Williams.
Cole, who played defensive end for most of his career before switching to outside linebacker in Chip Kelly’s 3-4 defense, would surely go back to putting his hand in the dirt every down if he signed with Tampa.
Tampa would be an odd destination for Cole, who’s on the downside of his career and trying to win his first Super Bowl, but Cole is likely to take more visits.
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The Bucs are rebuilding under coach Lovie Smith, who won two games last year and has the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.