LeSean McCoy, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, saw the writing on the wall weeks ago, according to former All-Pro running back and current analyst LaDainian Tomlinson.
Appearing on "NFL Total Access," Tomlinson said he believes the Eagles' decision to move McCoy was motivated by more than just the $11.95 million in cap space they cleared.
"I had a chance to talk to LeSean McCoy a few weeks ago, and he expressed to me (that) he did not think he was coming back to Philly next season," Tomlinson said, according to Matt Lombardo of NJ.com.
"He talked about (how) he and Chip Kelly's relationship had become a little strained, and he just did not think Philly was committed to him. He actually thought Chip kind of phased him out of the offense at times last year. He felt the writing was on the wall that they were trying to move on this offseason, and sure enough we have this trade."
Tomlinson's comments contradict a report by ESPN's Josina Anderson, who cites a source close to McCoy as saying the trade caught him by surprise.
However, former Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant also spoke about being phased out following his release last offseason.
"I knew that was coming maybe four games into last season," Avant told Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer in June. "When they stop calling your number and guys start running some of the routes that you run - I knew from the beginning that I didn't fit his style of offense, in that I'm a crafty guy that gets open in an atypical way."
The Eagles acquired Kiko Alonso in exchange for McCoy, reuniting Kelly with his former Oregon Ducks linebacker. Alonso will become the ninth Duck on the Eagles' roster.
Tomlinson said he sees a pattern in the players dumped by Kelly.
"I honestly don't think Chip likes the strong personality of certain guys in the locker room, if you think about what he has done over his time in Philly, he wants total control," Tomlinson said. "He got rid of DeSean Jackson, strong personality. He just got rid of Cary Williams, strong personality. Again with LeSean McCoy, strong personality.
"Chip wants to rule this team with his kind of imprint. He is going to bring in the type of guys he likes to have on his team, and then he can have more control of the locker room."