PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles officially released Trent Cole, who has more sacks as an Eagle than any player except Reggie White.

Cole, 32, will become an unrestricted free agent immediately. He will draw attention from teams looking for an edge pass rusher. Cole has played outside linebacker for the past two seasons but could return to his more familiar role as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme.

Cole's release will save the Eagles $8.4 million on their 2015 salary cap. With the other moves they have made in recent days, the team has increased its cap space to just under $50 million.

A fifth-round draft choice in 2005, Cole started 114 games at defensive end over his first eight seasons. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, after the 2007 and 2009 seasons.

When Chip Kelly became head coach in 2013, the Eagles switched to a 3-4 defense. Cole moved to outside linebacker. He had eight sacks in 2013 and 6.5 more in 2014.

"We spoke with Trent and his agent and expressed a desire to have him back," Kelly said in a prepared statement. "We have been talking for a couple of weeks. However, at this point, we think it's best to let him explore other options around the NFL."

Cole's 85.5 sacks are second to White'2 124 sacks on the Eagles' all-time list.