Special Changes

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a pair of special teams signings, setting up the exits for Rick Lovato and Britain Covey, and also brought back a familiar face while signing another tight end.

After eight seasons as the team’s long snapper, the Eagles are moving on from Lovato in favor of Charley Hughlett.

Hughlett arrives to Philadelphia after 10 years with the Cleveland Browns.

After non-tendering Covey, the Eagles also picked up Avery Williams, a return specialist who spent four years with the Atlanta Falcons.

Williams serves as both a kick and punt returner, with career averages of 22.4 yards per return and 10.9 yards on the latter.

The punt returner position became one of great need for the Eagles despite Covey’s strong season in 2023. A neck injury to Covey in ’24 forced Cooper DeJean into the role in addition to his growing responsibilities on defense.

Also, Andrew DiCecco confirmed a report that the Eagles are bringing back edge Patrick Johnson on a one-year deal.

Johnson, a 2021 seventh-round pick, played his first three seasons with the Eagles and played one game last year before being waived. He latched on with the Giants and played 12 games with them.

Johnson, a Tulane product, was a core special teamer during his time with the Eagles.

Lastly, the Eagles signed former Colts tight end Kylen Granson, who caught 86 passes for 958 yards and one touchdown in four seasons with the Indianapolis.

Granson’s agency, SportsTrust Advisors, announced the signing on social media.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Granson is the second tight end signed by the Eagles in free agency as the team prepares for the potential of trading Dallas Goedert, who Inside The Birds has reported has been given permission to seek a trade.

The team also signed former Browns and Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.