While the Philadelphia Eagles are in the midst of a five-week break between the end of the offseason workout program and the start of training camp, we'll be looking at some position battles that could crystallize this summer. Today, we'll touch on the competition for a prominent role on the special teams unit.
Job up for grabs: Kick returner
Competitors: RB Wendell Smallwood, WR Nelson Agholor, RB Donnel Pumphrey, WR Torrey Smith, among others
Incumbents: Smallwood, Josh Huff
Overview
Eagles wide receiver Josh Huff never developed into a dynamic pass-catcher during his three seasons with the Eagles, but he shined as a kick returner. He averaged more than 27 yards a pop during his time in Philly, took two returns back for scores and offered an air of excitement every time he lined up deep.
The Birds wound up cutting Huff midway through last season after police arrested him on a drive to New Jersey and said he was driving with an unregistered gun.
Philadelphia's decision to sever ties with the young playmaker sent a pointed message to the team, while sapping the receiving corps of a raw but talented option. And moreover, it left the Eagles with a question to answer entering the 2017 season: Who can fill Huff's shoes in the return game?
Last season, Wendell Smallwood spent time returning kicks before and after the team cut Huff. The rookie running back had plenty of success, too, scoring one touchdowns and averaging 29 yards per return.
Kenjon Barner also filled that role at times last year, but the Eagles chose not to re-sign the former Oregon running back this offseason.
So, Smallwood seems locked into the kick-returning role. The Birds, however, used two returners on kickoffs last season, leaving a second spot opening for the taking.
In spring practices, wide receiver Nelson Agholor took first-team repetitions as a kick returner alongside Smallwood, while wide receiver Torrey Smith and running back Donnel Pumphrey rotated in as the backups.
Smith, a speedy veteran, and Pumphrey, a shifty rookie, are new to the team and both own reputations for explosiveness in the open field, though neither has been a full-time kick returner in the NFL. Could the newcomers challenge Agholor or Smallwood for the job? And will any combination of returners be able to replicate the steady success Huff enjoyed in the role?
Regardless of how things play out, one thing appears clear: The Eagles, who value special teams play as much as any team in the NFL, won't take the task of finding Huff's replacement lightly.