Yardbarker
x
Four options for Eagles to improve return game
Will Fuller Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Four options for Eagles to improve return game

The Eagles are 8-1 and have a top five offense and defense, but they aren't perfect — especially in one aspect. 

Philadelphia's special teams must improve. Most notably, the kick return game could especially use a jolt.

Rookie wide receiver Britain Covey has returned kicks with so-so results. He has 18 punt returns for 117 yards and 10 kickoff return for 206 yards, per ESPN. His 6.8 yards per punt return rank 20th best in the league.

If the Eagles were to seek a replacement to give this unit a boost, here are four options. (Two possibilities are already on the roster.)

Will Fuller 

Fuller, a free agent, is a certified Philly guy. The Roman Catholic High School graduate lit it up in high school and with Notre Dame before turning into a solid wide receiver for the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins. Fuller's 40-yard dash time (4.33) and 14.3 yards career punt return average make him a solid option for the Eagles.

Tevin Coleman

Coleman played in two games for the 49ers this season, seeing limited action in both. With studs Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell in the backfield, the 49ers demoted Coleman to the practice squad. 

The longtime running back saw his first action as a return specialist last season with the New York Jets, posting 317 kick return yards on 11 opportunities. His 65-yard kickoff return last season shows he can be a threat. 

Devon Allen

A potential replacement might already be on the team. Allen, a wide receiver, is a serviceable practice squad player, and he unquestionably has blazing speed. Giving the former Olympic track star a tryout at returner could be the most logical option of the four.

Quez Watkins 

The team's slot receiver and bona fide deep threat has five kickoff returns for 51 yards this season. While that 10.2 return average isn't great, last season he averaged 17.3 yards on eight kick returns, showcasing his potential.

The speedster runs a 4.35 40-yard dash and is competing for reps in a stacked wide receiver corps. While he's become a nice third wideout behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Watkins could thrive as a return man if given a chance. Then again, with Dallas Goedert heading to IR, he may be relied upon more in the passing game.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.