Smith, Jeffery new targets, Barwin out

On paper, at least.

But before making their fast splash on offense, the Eagles let it be known they were parting ways with popular defensive end Connor Barwin. They released the popular veteran, who didn’t quite fit their defensive scheme, while opening up $7.75 million in salary cap room.

Soon after, the Birds announced the signing of Smith (6-1, 205), who had a connection here with Joe Douglas, the Eagles’ vice president of player personnel who spent 17 years with the Baltimore Ravens. He had selected Smith in the second round of the 2011 draft.

Smith, 28, has averaged 17.0 yards on 266 career receptions worth 4,521 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also has eight TDs in eight playoff games.

Barwin showed up every week in a four-year career with the Eagles, recording 31½ sacks in 64 regular-season games. His best season was in 2014, when he produced a career-best 14½ sacks playing outside linebacker in Billy Davis’ 3-4 scheme.

That campaign earned Barwin All-Pro honors, a trip to the Pro Bowl and a contract extension.

Last season, Barwin notched five sacks playing through injuries with his hand on the ground at defensive end in a 4-3 alignment.

The 6-3, 253-pound Barwin, who turns 30 in October, wasn’t big enough to set the edge week in and week out, the wear and tear showing.

“Connor Barwin is a tremendous teammate, player and an even better person,” Eagles football operations chief Howie Roseman said in a statement. “He represented the Philadelphia Eagles with class and integrity for the past four seasons and we appreciate his efforts both on and off the field. It’s rare to come across a player who invests so much of himself in the locker room, as a leader on the field, and with his relentless work ethic. His work in the community will have a lasting impact on our city that we can all be very proud of. Obviously this was a difficult decision for us, but we wish him and his family all the best. On behalf of all of us, we just wanted to say thank you and we all hope that our paths cross again in the future.”

Barwin’s community efforts included the “Make The World Better Foundation” that helped revitalize numerous parks and fund urban development in Philadelphia.

The next Eagles player who could be released is linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who gets a $4.35 million bonus if he’s still on the roster Saturday.

The Eagles are likely to address the defensive end position in the draft. They would have to trade up from the 14th overall pick to get Myles Garrett (Texas A&M) or Derek Barnett (Tennessee), two seriously good pass rushers.

The Birds could be in range of Taco Charlton (6-6, 272) of Michigan, a solid pass rusher and a traditional 4-3 defensive end. Charlton and Garrett have Julius Peppers type of qualities.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Wide receiver Torrey Smith, 82, was signed by the Eagles to a three-year deal Thursday. He had been let go by the San Francisco 49ers and will help carry the receiving load along with fellow new acquisition Alshon Jeffery.