BIG NEWS: Eagles showing interest in free agent punter [UPDATE]

Today was shaping up to be a slow news day for the Philadelphia Eagles, BUT NOT ANYMORE.

The Eagles are showing interest in free agent punter Pat O’Donnell, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Schefter reports the Giants are also interested in him. New York released former Eagles punter Brad Wing earlier this month.

The Eagles don’t have a proven punter since Donnie Jones retired earlier this offseason. The Birds do have Cameron Johnston under contract, but he only signed with the Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent last offseason before being waived during final cuts in September.

The 27-year-old O’Donnell was originally selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. In four seasons with Chicago, O’Donnell averaged 44.9 yards per punt. Two of his attempts were blocked.

He also threw a touchdown pass during the 2017 season.

If I recall correctly, O’Donnell had some ugly punts during the Eagles-Bears game last year. This article from last summer also indicates he was below average in Chicago leading up to last season.

I do think the Eagles should (and will) hold a punter battle this offseason. I wouldn’t just give the job to Johnston. O’Donnell doesn’t seem very inspiring, but if Dave Fipp really likes him, he could be worth a shot.

Gotta love some punter talk on Day 2 of NFL free agency.

UPDATE: So maybe all of this talk is moot.

SECOND UPDATE: O’Donnell is staying in Chicago.