PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 1: Mark Sanchez #3 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts around Connor Barwin #98, Jordan Hicks #58, Nigel Bradham #53, and Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on January 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

One NFL vet just lauded his former team for cutting him

This isn't a sentiment you see every day in the NFL.

Connor Barwin was released by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month and it was a move that did not register a great deal of reaction across the NFL world. After all, the Eagles saved nearly $8 million against the salary cap by parting ways with the veteran defender and, with that as the backdrop, it made all the sense in the world given the team's roster make-up at this juncture.

Still, Barwin expressed a sentiment that isn't often seen or heard in the NFL and Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer brings word of his thought process about Philly's decision.

"Obviously, there was a ton of money invested in the defensive line room with Fletcher (Cox), Vinny (Curry), Brandon (Graham) and myself. Now they have a quarterback that appears to have a chance to be a really, really good player.

"I wish it wasn't the money I was getting paid, but I think it was smart to use that money and help Carson."

Yes, that is an NFL player essentially admitting that his old team was "smart" for cutting him loose. Barwin will begin the 2017 season with the Los Angeles Rams and he seems happy to be in a new place.

In the end, this is a separation that appears to be working out for everyone involved.