The Eagles made another affordable move in free agency on Friday, bringing in 26-year-old running back and return specialist Avery Williams.
Williams spent his first four seasons with the Falcons, primarily contributing as a returner. During his time in Atlanta, he posted an average of 10.9 yards on 58 punt returns and 22.4 yards on 54 kickoff returns.
His career punt return average of 10.9 ranks 9th out of 24 players who’ve logged at least 50 punt returns since 2021 (for comparison, Jalen Reagor ranks last on that list with a 6.9 average).
Williams’ signing suggests a couple of things for the Eagles:
- They likely don’t want Cooper DeJean handling punt return duties in addition to his role as the team’s nickel cornerback. While DeJean managed both responsibilities well this past season—averaging 10.0 yards on 20 punt returns, 7th-best in the league and the highest ever by an Eagles rookie—the team may prefer to limit his special teams exposure to reduce injury risk.
- Britain Covey, currently an unrestricted free agent, probably won’t be re-signed. Covey’s 11.3-yard punt return average from 2022 to 2024 ranks 4th in the NFL over that span and is also the 4th-highest in Eagles franchise history, trailing only Ernie Steele (1940s), Brian Mitchell, and Darren Sproles. His 14.4-yard average in 2023 was the 2nd-best in the NFL and the 3rd-highest single-season mark in team history, behind only Brian Westbrook in 2003 and DeSean Jackson in 2009.
Williams began his college career at Boise State as a walk-on cornerback, recording two interceptions over his time there. The Falcons selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 draft as a cornerback. During his rookie season, he appeared in 121 defensive snaps and 272 on special teams. Ahead of the 2022 season, he transitioned to running back, where he averaged 5.0 yards on 22 carries and added 13 receptions for 61 yards.
However, his most significant contribution came as a punt returner. In 2022, he led the NFL with a 16.2-yard average on 18 returns, which ranks as the 14th-best mark for players averaging at least one return per game since 1975. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2023 season after tearing his ACL during a non-contact play at an open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in June.
Williams made his return last season, averaging 9.3 yards on 20 punt returns. Offensively, he saw minimal action, logging just 10 snaps without any carries or receptions.
Now 26 years old, Williams becomes the seventh free agent signing for the Eagles, joining tight end Harrison Bryant, edge rusher Josh Uche, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, running back A.J. Dillon, long snapper Charley Hughlett, and edge rusher Patrick Johnson. Philadelphia also acquired quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and guard Kenyon Green through trades.
On the departure side, they’ve lost Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Isaiah Rodgers, Darius Slay, and Oren Burks from their defense, along with running back Kenny Gainwell from their offense.
