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Eagles release LB Corey Nelson

Corey Nelson was expected to compete for Mychal Kendricks' vacated weak-side linebacker spot, but he never panned out.

Eagles defensive back Jeremy Reaves (left) and linebacker Corey Nelson stop Pittsburgh Steelers punt returner Justin Thomas during a preseason game on Thursday, August 9, 2018 in Philadelphia. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer
Eagles defensive back Jeremy Reaves (left) and linebacker Corey Nelson stop Pittsburgh Steelers punt returner Justin Thomas during a preseason game on Thursday, August 9, 2018 in Philadelphia. YONG KIM / Staff PhotographerRead moreYONG KIM

The Eagles released linebacker Corey Nelson on Sunday.

Signed to a one-year contract in March, Nelson was expected to compete for the open weak-side linebacker spot, but he never rose higher than the second team defense. Nate Gerry and Kamu Grugier-Hill have been splitting time with the first team dating back to the beginning of the offseason.

The 25-year-old Nelson spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Broncos. He only started in five games — all in 2016 — but he seemingly had the skills to be more than just a special teams contributor. But he failed to stand out during Eagles training camp and in the preseason.

The Eagles save $1 million in salary cap space and could earn a late-round compensatory draft pick in 2019 with his release. They do eat $600,000 from his signing bonus.

Earlier Sunday, the Eagles signed Jaboree Williams to take Nelson's spot with the linebackers.