Eagles Strengthen Special Teams with Gray, Smartt

0:00On this March 21st, here's what's making headlines for the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles beefed up their special teams unit this week by signing two specialists, J.T. Gray and Stone Smart. Gray, a 30-year-old safety for Mississippi State, stands out as a three-time all-pro coverage player who's logged over 2,000 special teams. Snaps across 103 games, but barely any on defense. This move follows the team's trade of safety Sydney Brown to the Atlanta Falcons on Friday for a fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder in next year's Draft. Brown had led the Eagles in special teams' snaps last season, creating a clear opening for Gray to step in as a top-gunner. Fans and analysts see this as a smart play to revive the Eagles' third-phase strength, similar to past contributors who thrived in those roles. With tight-end Kylin Grants in now in Tennessee, Smart brings versatility as both a pass-catcher and special teams-tackler to feel that gap better than. The safety lineup now features second-year starter, Drew McCuba paired with Michael Carter

1:03the second, while veteran Marcus Epps backs them up on a one-year deal. Special team's coordinator, Michael Clay, gets a boost from Gray's elite skills right away. Howey Roseman and the front-offers have flexibility here, potentially stashing both new guys on the 16-man practice squad, elevating them for key, games, and seeing if they earn bigger spots on the active roster.