Patriots released NT Isaac Sopoaga.

The move creates $2.5 million in cap space, and $3.5 million in real savings. Sopoaga was just one year into a three-year deal, though he signed the pact with the Eagles, not the Patriots. He was acquired by the Pats last October. He struggled to plug the run as injuries battered the Patriots' defensive line. An 11-year veteran, Sopoaga turns 33 in September.

The Patriots are expected to release NT Isaac Sopoaga.

New England acquired Sopoaga from Philadelphia in exchange for a fifth-round pick in May's draft. He ended up being inactive down the stretch, even with Vince Wilfork (Achilles') on injured reserve. The Patriots will clear $2.5 million in 2014 salary cap space by releasing Sopoaga.

Patriots acquired NT Isaac Sopoaga and a 2014 sixth-round pick in exchange from the Eagles for a 2014 fifth-round pick.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported that a trade was close. In the first season of a three-year, $11 million deal, Sopoaga was struggling for the Eagles, but provides some much needed heft up front for the Patriots. He'll be tasked with shoring up the Patriots' run defense in the absence of NT Vince Wilfork. Sopoaga's acquisition is a sign DT Tommy Kelly (knee) isn't close to a return.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Eagles have "floated" NT Isaac Sopoaga as a trade candidate to other teams in addition to DE Vinny Curry.

A 50-percent player for Chip Kelly's 3-4 defense, Sopoaga has graded out negatively in Pro Football Focus' ratings. He wouldn't fetch more than a day-three pick.

Eagles signed NT Isaac Sopoaga to a three-year deal worth nearly $12 million, with $5 million guaranteed.

Rather than blowing their wad on a Dashon Goldson or Sean Smith, the Eagles are trying to rebuild their roster by simply adding good football players. Sopoaga is a two-down nose tackle, but should help shore up Philly's run defense at 6-foot-2 and 330 pounds -- fire hydrant size. He'll anchor the new 3-4 defense.

The Eagles have scheduled a visit with free agent NT Isaac Sopoaga.

New Eagles VP of Personnel Tom Gamble knows Sopoaga from San Francisco, and Philly needs a nose tackle for its new 3-4. Sopoaga turns 32 in September.

Impending free agent NT Isaac Sopoaga's status with the 49ers will likely hinge on what happens with fellow free agent DT Ricky Jean-Francois.

Sopoaga has spent all nine seasons of his career with the Niners since being a fourth-round pick out of Hawaii in 2004. However, in 2012, he was phased out of the defense and only started nine games, making 27 tackles. Sopoaga would have to take a drastic pay cut from his $3.8 million to return. Jean-Francois is younger and much more versatile, and the team would like to bring him back.

X-rays of 49ers NT Isaac Sopoaga's knee came back negative.

Sopoaga was walking without a limp on Monday, and sounds like he'll be a go for Sunday's visit to the Meadowlands. Ricky Jean-Francois would get the call if Sopoaga couldn't suit up against the Jets.

49ers NT Isaac Sopoaga left Sunday's Week 3 loss to the Vikings with a lower left leg injury.

Sopoaga went down in the fourth quarter and didn't return. He'll be reevaluated Monday. Ricky Jean-Francois is Sopoaga's backup.

The 49ers list Isaac Sopoaga (staph infection) as the "probable starter" at nose tackle for Week 6 at Detroit.

The Niners' dominant defense didn't miss Sopoaga in Week 5 with Ricky Jean-Francois filling in. He should be back to help contain Jahvid Best in what may be the week's most attractive matchup.

49ers NT Isaac Sopoaga (staph infection) was spotted with his left arm in a sling at the team facility Monday morning.

The Niners have yet to expand on details about Sopoaga's condition, other than to confirm that he has an infection and is out indefinitely. Ricky Jean-Francois started for Sopoaga in Sunday's demolition of the Buccaneers. Jean-Francois played every single snap, recording three tackles (two solo).

49ers NT Isaac Sopoaga (staph infection) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bucs.

Undersized NT Ricky Jean-Francois will start and LaGarrette Blount gets a bump for the favorable matchup. QB Scott Tozien, FB Moran Norris, WR Braylon Edwards, OL Michael Person, OL Daniel Kilgore, and CB Tramaine Brock join him on the inactive list.

49ers NT Isaac Sopoaga has been diagnosed with a staph infection and is out indefinitely.

The area of the staph infection is unknown, but Sopoaga was held out of practice Wednesday. His absence could be a bit of a matchup boost for LeGarrette Blount in Week 5. Undersized Ricky Jean-Francois is Sopoaga's backup.

The 49ers are expected to move Isaac Sopoaga to nose tackle full time this season, replacing Aubrayo Franklin.

The Niners just aren't going to pay Franklin. Sopoaga, the team's starting left end for the past three seasons, certainly looks the part of a nose at 6-foot-2, 330. Pro Football Focus has graded Sopoaga as a poor run defender in each of those years, however. We expect San Francisco to be at least a slightly easier fantasy matchup for opposing running backs this season.

The 49ers have "kicked around the idea" of moving DE Isaac Sopoaga back to nose tackle with Aubrayo Franklin reaching unrestricted free agency this offseason.

CSN Bay Area posits that Sopoaga had a "very good" season at defensive end last year, though he grades out as well below average in Pro Football Focus' ratings. The Niners could be desperate at the nose, and Sopoaga's "technique and leverage" have improved enough that coordinator Vic Fangio will give him a long look.

Isaac Sopoaga was still the 49ers' starter at left defensive end during OTAs and minicamps.

Sopoaga had just 29 tackles and one sack in 16 games last season. He's also capable of playing some nose tackle, but the Niners are set there with Aubrayo Franklin and Ricky Jean-Francois.