Report: Eagles sign returner/gadget player

Interesting addition for Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing free agent returner/gadget player Avery Williams, according to a report from NFL insider Diana Russini.

Williams, a fifth-round pick (No. 183 overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft, is an interesting addition to Philly’s roster.

Check out his non-special teams career snap counts by position via Pro Football Focus:

2021 — 2 defensive line, 11 box defender, 96 slot cornerback, 9 wide cornerback, 3 free safety

2022 — 85 backfield, 6 inline tight end, 37 slot receiver, 13 wide receiver

2023 — Missed entire season due to ACL injury that happened during June OTAs

2024 — 10 backfield

As you can see, Williams switched from defense to offense after his rookie season. He logged 22 carries for 109 yards (5.0 average) and one touchdown as a runner in 2022. His 14 targets resulted in 13 receptions for just 61 yards (4.7 average) that season.

Williams then missed the 2023 season and didn’t see offensive touches in 2024. But he did still contribute as a punt and kick returner, which he’s done throughout his career. A look at his numbers in those categories via Pro Football Reference:

10.9 yards per punt return is good. That’s slightly under Britain Covey’s career average of 11.3.

Speaking of Covey, he’s currently an unrestricted free agent after the Eagles opted not to use a restricted free agent tender on him. Perhaps the Eagles signing Williams indicates they’re moving on from Covey.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles utilize Williams. At the very least, he figures to compete for a roster spot as a returner and special teams contributor. But maybe they’ll find a way to work him into the offense on occasion as well.

Pre-draft scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

Could see a similar career journey as current Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Jamal Agnew, who transitioned from cornerback to the offensive side of the ball in Detroit, all while thriving as a dangerous return specialist. Williams was a talented high school running back, so a move to a hybrid gadget player with run and pass-catching potential isn’t a crazy notion. His lack of size could be exploited as a corner, which will be a concern for teams who prefer not to carry strictly return specialists on their roster. He’s athletic and smooth with fluidity to turn, cut or wiggle without losing his speed. He’s been a home run hitter as a returner and he’s a legitimate threat to block a kick and must be accounted for. Teams would be wise to draft Williams with a late Day 3 selection and figure out where to play him in camp.

Spider graph for Williams as a general athlete (note: he’s only 5’8”, 187 pounds):

Grade the signing: