Former Eagles safety Walter Thurmond retires at 28

By: Brandon Apter, contributor

At just 28 years of age, former Eagles safety Walter Thurmond III has decided to retire. He started all 16 games for Philadelphia last season.

After 6 NFL seasons, former Eagles, Giants and Seahawks DB Walter Thurmond is retiring at the age of 28, according to source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 31, 2016

The Eagles signed Thurmond to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million hoping that he would compete for a cornerback spot on the defense. Thurmond moved to safety after Philadelphia was unable to draft Nate Allen's replacement in the draft. Thurmond thrived in the safety role, tallying three interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown. 

According to NFL.com, Thurmond got plenty of offers in free agency, but ultimately decided to hang up his cleats and pursue other opportunities.

The Eagles have known about Thurmond's plans for months, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, who also reported in March that Thurmond had turned down offers of $4 million-plus per year as he pondered retirement.

Thurmond spent a good part of his career on injured reserve, playing just 10 games combined between the 2011, 2012 and 2014 seasons, including a torn pectoral muscle with the Giants before signing with the Eagles in 2015.