The Philadelphia Eagles have been faced with several problems this season. Of the bunch, one of the largest issues that the coaching staff seemingly never found a solution to is at kick returner. They've made multiple changes back there, but there's room for growth there following a surprise release.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Atlanta Falcons waived returner Jamal Agnew on Saturday. He appeared in 11 games for them this season, but his three fumbles likely led to Atlanta releasing him.
Nonetheless, Agnew would give the Eagles a return man who has shown the ability to be dynamic in that phase of the game during his NFL career.
Jamal Agnew Could Give Eagles Kick Return Game a Boost
Agnew owns a First-team All-Pro (2017) nod and a Pro Bowl (2022) selection under his belt, as he provided the Detroit Lions with an explosive returner in both the kick and punt game. In his career, he has logged six straight seasons with at least 390 kickoff yards, averaging at least 23.9 yards per return.
Even though he had some problems in Atlanta this year, he had 741 kickoff return yards, logging 24.7 yards per return. In comparison, the Eagles are 29th in the NFL, averaging 23.9 yards per return. At different times this year, Philadelphia had Tank Bigsby and Xavier Gipson returning kicks, which didn't turn out well.
Bigsby had problems fielding the ball cleanly, allowing opposing kick return teams to pin the Eagles back. Meanwhile, Gipson had issues holding onto the ball, including a fumble against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12 that contributed to costing Philadelphia the game.
That's what led the Eagles to bring Britain Covey back to the team. Over the past three games, he's compiled 125 kickoff yards on five returns (25 yards per return), along with 85 punt return yards (12.4 yards per punt return). Will Shipley is the other return game for the Eagles, averaging 27.5 yards per return.
While they have helped stabilize that unit for Philadelphia, Agnew could give the Eagles an extra spark in the return game. He has four punt return touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns in his career. Agnew knows how to make an impact in that phase of the game, and with the playoffs right around the corner, they would be wise to consider putting in a claim.
As the intensity around these games increases, the weather getting colder, field position will matter even more. Agnew could be someone who can flip the field in the offense's favor, and the Eagles could use any advantage they get as they seek to defend their Super Bowl title.