Five underrated free agents to watch on the Philadelphia Eagles

Britain Covey | WR

Covey averaged the second-most yards per attempt (14.4) and led the NFL in punt returns with 417 yards two years ago, but a neck injury limited him to five games last season. Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean assumed Covey’s role but averaged just 10 yards per attempt as a returner. DeJean had a terrific season that included a pick-six in Super Bowl LIX, but Covey is clearly the better returner.

Kenneth Gainwell | RB

On one hand, the fourth-year running back scored just one touchdown and averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry in 2024. On the other hand, 345 carries and 2,005 yards for teammate Saquon Barkley may have had something to do with Gainwell’s lack of production.

The 25-year-old running back has 280 carries and 1,185 yards as an Eagle. Will Shipley, the team’s other running back, had 30 carries for 82 yards as a rookie in 2024. If Gainwell leaves, an unproven Shipley would become the team’s No. 2 running back.

Isaiah Rodgers | CB  

The Eagles thought highly enough of Rodgers to offer him a one-year contract in 2023, knowing he’d be suspended for the year for gambling violations while playing for the Colts. Playing behind a Pro Bowler like Darius Slay and standout rookies like DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, Rodgers played only 36% of the team’s defensive snaps last season, but that could change if Philadelphia moves on from Slay.

The 34-year-old Slay led the team with 13 passes defended in the regular season but carries a $13M cap hit into 2025. He could be asked to restructure his contract, but if he doesn’t, the team could always start DeJean opposite Mitchell, use Rodgers in the slot and save $4.3M in the process.

Ben VanSumeren | LB

As a linebacker, Van Sumeran proved to be a pretty good fullback in 2024, at least until he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 13. VanSumeren got his first snap at fullback against Tampa Bay in Week 4 before blocking on five runs that netted 60 yards against the Giants two weeks later.

A wide receiver in high school, VanSumeren actually broke Michigan's regular-season state record with 1,259 yards. He started as a fullback with the Wolverines before moving to linebacker at Michigan State. He joined Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent in 2023. 

Van Sumeren played 50 snaps at linebacker as a rookie and 22 snaps last season, all at fullback. Head coach Nick Sirianni loves his athleticism so expect the team to bring him back in 2025.