It’s been a busy few days for the Eagles, but the fun never stops. According to an official announcement from the team, the Eagles have waived former CFL standout Mitchell White, and in turn signed WR Rashard Davis.
Roster Move: #Eagles sign WR Rashard Davis and waive CB Mitchell White. pic.twitter.com/UxN9uVjvd9
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 13, 2017
White signed with the Eagles earlier this offseason after winning the Grey Cup with the Ottawa Redblacks. The 26-year old had 4 career interceptions in the CFL, with 3 coming in 2016, making 38 tackles in the process. All of this, despite missing the opening five games. After joining former CFL rival Aaron Grymes, it was expected that the duo would compete for spots on a cornerback corps in desperate need of stability. After a wobbly preseason debut and the signing of Ronald Darby however, it appears as if White simply didn’t do enough to be kept around.
In his place, the Eagles signed yet another wide receiver. After signing Keevan Lucas yesterday, the Birds have bought in last year’s CAA Special Teams Player of the Year. Davis set the JMU and CAA single-season record for punt return touchdowns last year, returning 15 punts for a school record 426 yards. Alongside this, he recorded 530 receiving yards and 3 scores.
At 5’8, 172 lbs, Davis is a smaller receiver than most, but brings impressive quickness to the table having ran a 4.38 40-yard dash. He’s very reminiscent of a Paul Turner type receiver. It feels as if the Eagles are trying to add some depth in the slot after trading Jordan Matthews to the Buffalo Bills.
The Eagles attended his pro-day prior to the NFL Draft, so they have their due diligence…and as it stands, there could well be an opening for a punt/kick returns specialist on the roster behind Donnel Pumphrey and Wendell Smallwood. The speed of Davis alone brings a lot of intrigue, and his 13.8 yards per reception average also shows just how productive he can be in the open field.
The undrafted free agent doesn’t have a lot of time to work with, so it will be worth keeping an eye on his progress over the last few weeks of the offseason as he vies for a place on the practice squad.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
