“Eagles release veteran linebacker, open roster spot.”

It turns out the Eagles didn't need Devon White after all.

The team and the linebacker agreed Tuesday to be released now rather than wait until after the trade deadline so he would not be subject to waivers. White can now sign with any team. In return, the deal could provide the Eagles with financial savings, a source said.

The move opens up a spot on the 53-man roster. Earlier in the week, they opened the 21-day practice window for safety Sydney Brown, who was on the physically unable to perform player list (PUP), and receiver Ainais Smith, who was placed on injured reserve and was scheduled to return after the Eagles' trim At the end of August, their original roster consisted of 53 players.

Brown is expected to take White's spot and the Eagles will take a longer approach to Smith, although that could change if AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith continues to miss time after the bye.

However, that's not expected as Brown appears to have recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out of three games and Smith may have progressed through a concussion.

The Eagles (2-2) return to practice on Wednesday and prepare to host the Cleveland Browns (1-4) on Sunday in what will be just the team's second home game of the season.

As for White, he signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract early in free agency. After getting most of the first-team reps during training camp, it appeared he was well on his way to breaking into the starting lineup this season.

He was even involved in a text chain with quarterback Jalen Hurts and receiver AJ Brown about holding teammates accountable.

When Nakobe Dean was named the starter before the season opener in Brazil, White was relegated to backup status, despite not playing a single down in the four games he played in for the Eagles.

Head coach Nick Sirianni said at the time that it was a long season and that they would need White at some point.

That won't happen now.

Dean and Zack Baun have remained healthy so far. If anything happens to them, they have the depth they need in Ben VanSumeren, Oren Burks and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. They currently do not have a linebacker on their practice squad.

More NFL: Good news could be waiting for the Eagles as they emerge from the bye