Former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Rashaan Evans is no longer a free agent.
The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that they have signed Evans to the practice squad.
Last year, Evans played 17 games with the Falcons and was a tackling machine. He had a career-best 149 tackles, a total that ranked top eight in the NFL for the 2022 season, and only missed three on the season.
Still just 27 years old, Evans has the potential to continue improving as he enters what could be the prime years of his career.
Although it was surprising that Evans was on the free agent market for so long, it could have something to do with his struggles in pass coverage last year. In 2022, Evans allowed a 112.6 passer rating while in coverage. Although that number is concerning, he's shown that he can perform much better against the pass than he did last season.
Back in 2021, Evans only allowed an 82.2 passer rating when targeted. He may never be considered lockdown in coverage, but considering how he locks up players with his tackles, he can be a valuable depth piece for the Eagles with their linebacker unit.
Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean injured his foot in Philadelphia's Week 1 win against the New England Patriots and he's set to be out for multiple weeks after being placed on IR. The Eagles also signed linebacker Nicholas Morrow to the practice squad, so Evans may have to jump a few players to see some game action.
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