The Eagles added another budget free agency on Friday, signing 26-year-old running and returning member Avery Williams.
Williams spent his first four years with the Falcons. It was used there as just about most people. He averaged 10.9 yards with 58 punt returns and 22.4 yards with 54 kick returns.
His 10.9 career punt return is the ninth highest among 24 punt returners with at least 50 returns since 2021 (Jalen Reagor is on the 6.9 list).
Williams’ signature appears to indicate two things.
1) The Eagles don’t want Cooper Dejan to continue returning punts while playing the nickel corner. Obviously this year didn’t bother him, but the last thing the Eagles need is that one of their top defensive players gets injured in a special team. Dejean averaged 10.0 yards on 20 returns last year, averaging 20 times, the seventh highest in the NFL, with the Eagles rookie being the best he’s ever had. and
2) Britain Covey, an unlimited free agent, probably hasn’t returned. Coby’s average of 11.3 from 2022 to 2024 is the fourth highest in the NFL in the last three years and the fourth highest in Eagles history (Ernie Steele, Brian Mitchell and Darrens Pro Wrestling, who played in the 1940s).
Coby’s average of 14.4 in 2023 was second highest in the NFL and third highest in Eagles history (Brian Westbrook in 2003 and behind Desun Jackson in 2009.
Williams played cornerback as a walk-on for Boise State and had two career interceptions. The Falcons drafted him as a corner in the fifth round of 2021, with 121 defensive snaps and 272 special teams playing snaps as rookies. He was returned to the run before the 2022 season, averaging 5.0 yards on 22 carries in 2022, and 13 catches for 61 yards.
However, he had the biggest impact as a punt returner, averaging 16.2 on his NFL’s best 16.2 returns in 2022, with 14th place in 18 returns, and since 1975 he was ranked 14th by players who averaged at least one return per game.
He returned last year and averaged 9.3 yards on 20 punt returns, but only played 10 offensive snaps, with no carry or reception.
Williams, 26, is the seventh free agent signed by the Eagles, joining tight ends Harrison Bryant, Edge Rush Josh, cornerback Aidley’ Jackson, AJ Dillon, long snapper Charlie Hewlett and Edge Patrick Johnson. They also added quarterbacks Dorian Thompson Robinson and Guard Kenyon Green in the deal.
They were Milton Williams, Josh Sweatt, Isaiah Rogers, Darius Slay and Oren flare from defense, and Kenny got from attack.
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