Cameron Malveaux, a defensive end who rose from the Eagles’ practise squad to the starting lineup in December, announced his retirement from the league on Thursday.
After spending 11 weeks on the practise squad, Malveaux emerged as a late-season contributor. The Eagles activated Malveaux when Ryan Kerrigan was placed on the COVID list before to the Giants game. Malveaux played a career-high 34 plays and had two pressures in the Eagles’ victory in the Meadowlands.
He performed well enough to secure a spot in the rotation, receiving 81 snaps in the last four games of the season.
It was the first time in three years that he had been on the field for a prolonged period of time.
“He has a lot of the skill sets we’re looking for in a defensive lineman,” defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said.
“What he demonstrated on practise squad and scout teams was he was doing a fantastic job with effort, technique, and energy.”
But Malveaux remained a roster longshot for 2022, and after five years of bouncing about from the Dolphins to the Cards to the Chiefs to the Washington Football Team to the 49ers to the Browns, he felt it was time to try something new.
“I have committed my life exclusively to the game of football for many years,” Malveaux posted on Instagram. “I am thankful for every chance God has given me to compete and realise my childhood ambition.” Football has altered my life for the better through all of the ups and downs.
“After much thought and deliberation, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time for me to retire from this game.” I know it’s time to move on, as difficult as the choice was.”
He went on to express gratitude to the Eagles and other organisations for allowing him to play professional football.
Malveaux, 27, has been cut by 11 different NFL clubs. He’s earned $1,189,393 over the course of five seasons, according to Spotrac.
He made $252,066 for spending the majority of the year with the Eagles, including his practise squad pay. He had a deal through 2023, but it didn’t include a bonus, so there’s no dead money against the cap.
Malveaux has two sacks, 22 tackles, four tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits in 18 games with the Dolphins, Cards, Browns, and Eagles.
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Malveaux was a longshot to make the 53-man roster with Josh Sweat contracted through 2024, Brandon Graham returning for a 13th season, the Eagles expecting to get Tarron Jackson more playing time, and Derek Barnett re-signing.
