Three players to upgrade Philadelphia Eagles' return game
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.
The Eagles ranked 29th in kick returns last season. Former Eagle Boston Scott wasn’t great but led the team in yardage for three of the past four seasons. Now that he’s a Ram, these players should look to take his place.
“The Veteran” CB Isaiah Rodgers
Rodgers missed the entire 2023 season after being suspended for gambling violations as a member of the Colts in 2022. Indianapolis led the NFL in kickoffs with 27.8 yards per return that year, thanks in part to Rodgers’ 25.1-yard average.
His best season as a returner came in 2020 when he set career highs with 692 yards and 24 attempts, including a 101-yard touchdown against the Browns in just his fifth NFL game.
“The Rookie” RB Will Shipley
Philadelphia’s fourth-round draft pick is listed as the team’s third-string running back, a spot previously held by Scott on the team’s current depth chart. He could overtake Kenneth Gainwell by the end of the season but his chances of assuming Scott’s return duties are even better.
As a three-year starter and do-it-all player for Clemson, Shipley operated as the team’s lead kick returner, averaging 26.6 yards per return for 904 yards.
His best effort came as a freshman in 2021 with a 75-yard return against Louisville. With new player-friendly rules in place for next year’s kickoffs, Shipley could find himself operating as his team’s lead returner once again.
“The Olympian” WR Devon Allen
As a three-time national champion in the 110-meter hurdles and a two-time Olympian, Allen could be the NFL’s fastest player if he could just stay on the field. He’s spent most of his young career on Philadelphia’s practice squad but played in two games for the team last season.
Last summer, Allen started the team’s final preseason game by returning the opening kickoff for a 73-yard touchdown. In December, a third ACL tear sent him to injured reserve and back on the practice squad.
Allen thinks he’ll be ready to compete in the Summer Olympics and also hopes to continue his football career. The Eagles still hold his rights. If healthy, he could give the team something to think about in 2024.
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