Eagles expected to release Marcus Smith

Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice has said it’s a matter of when, not if, the Philadelphia Eagles release Marcus Smith, who has been a defensive end for the team the last three seasons.
Smith played 220 snaps last season, 135 rushing the passer. He only managed 11 total pressures, including two sacks.
Although his snaps have increased each year since entering the league (74 as a rookie, 131 in year two), his level of play has not. Smith’s overall grade dropped from 51.1 in 2015 to 46.2 in 2016.
Smith even found it difficult to beat backup offensive linemen in the preseason. He only had nine total pressures in 121 pass-rush snaps throughout his career.
The edge defender has been used as an inside and outside linebacker in Billy Davis’ 3-4 scheme, and a defensive end in Jim Schwartz’s 4-3. He has failed to impress in either scheme, mostly featuring on special teams.
Smith is buried on the team’s depth chart, and will compete with Steven Means and Alex McCalister for a roster spot in training camp.