Could Jamal Agnew Be the Spark the Eagles’ Return Game Needs?
The Philadelphia Eagles have had plenty to sort through this season, but one area that’s remained a glaring weak spot is the kick return game. They've shuffled through multiple options, trying to find someone who can provide consistency and explosiveness, but the results have been underwhelming. Now, with the postseason looming and field position becoming even more crucial, a new opportunity may have just landed in their lap.
The Atlanta Falcons waived veteran return specialist Jamal Agnew on Saturday, and while the move came after a stretch that included three fumbles in 11 games, his track record suggests he’s far from finished. For a Philadelphia team that ranks near the bottom of the league in kick return production, Agnew could be exactly the kind of late-season pickup that makes a real difference.
A Proven Playmaker in the Return Game
Let’s be clear: Jamal Agnew isn’t just another name on the waiver wire. He’s a former First-Team All-Pro (2017) and Pro Bowler (2022) who’s built a reputation as one of the league’s most electric return men.
Over his career, he’s stacked up six straight seasons with at least 390 kickoff return yards and has consistently averaged north of 23.9 yards per return. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
Even this season, despite his struggles with ball security in Atlanta, Agnew was still producing. He totaled 741 kickoff return yards at a clip of 24.7 yards per return. That’s better than what the Eagles have been getting - they currently sit 29th in the NFL, averaging just 23.9 yards per return.
Philadelphia’s Ongoing Struggles at Returner
The Eagles have tried a few different names in the return role this year, but none have fully solved the problem. Tank Bigsby got a look, but he struggled to handle the ball cleanly, often putting the offense in tough starting field position. Then there was Xavier Gipson, who flashed some potential but had issues holding onto the football - including a costly fumble against the Cowboys in Week 12 that helped swing the game in Dallas’ favor.
In response, the Eagles brought back Britain Covey, and to his credit, he’s helped stabilize things. Over the last three games, Covey has posted 125 kickoff return yards on five returns (25.0 yards per return), along with 85 punt return yards at a strong 12.4 yards per punt return. Will Shipley has also chipped in, averaging 27.5 yards per kickoff return.
Those numbers are solid, but Agnew brings something different - a game-breaking ability that can flip a field in a heartbeat. He’s scored four punt return touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns in his career. That’s not just experience - that’s production at the highest level.
Why Agnew Makes Sense Now
With the playoffs around the corner, special teams often become the hidden X-factor in tight games. Field position, momentum swings, and the ability to steal yards without the offense having to lift a finger - that’s where a player like Agnew can shine.
The Eagles don’t necessarily need to overhaul their return unit, but adding a veteran like Agnew could give them a dangerous option when it matters most. He’s been there before, and he knows how to impact games in December and January.
There’s risk, of course. Ball security has to be a priority, especially in the postseason.
But if Agnew can clean that up, his upside is undeniable. And for a team still in the hunt to defend its Super Bowl title, every edge counts.
Bottom line: The Eagles have made strides to stabilize their return game, but Jamal Agnew could offer more than just stability - he could provide a spark. And with the margin for error shrinking every week, that kind of spark might be exactly what Philadelphia needs.