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The Los Angeles Rams are waiving safety Blake Countess following a contract dispute, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The #Rams asked DB Blake Countess to take a pay cut from his $2M tender and they could not come to terms, source said. They are releasing him. LA drafted two safeties this year, but the door is open to return if he clears waivers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2019
This news is of interest to the Eagles because Countess was Philadelphia’s sixth-round pick (No. 196 overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft. We also know the Eagles have interest in adding safety depth considering 1) they didn’t draft a safety this year and 2) they claimed defensive back Godwin Igwebuike off waivers earlier this week.
The Eagles waived Countess — an Owings Mills, Maryland native — in final cuts prior to the 2016 NFL season. He signed with Rams’ practice squad in September before being promoted to the active roster in November. Countess stuck in Los Angeles by carving out a role as a backup safety and special teams contributor.
In three seasons with LA, Countess has made four starts in 37 games played. He’s logged 44 total tackles, three passes defensed, one interception, and one sack in that span. Countess led the Rams in special teams tackles the past two years and he also averaged 24.6 yards on kick returns.
The Eagles should look to put a claim in on the 25-year-old Countess. At the very least, he could be a good Chris Maragos replacement. He might even be able to get some rotational playing time at safety.
Philadelphia ranks 25th overall in the waiver wire (same as the 2019 NFL Draft order) so it’s very possible Countess gets claimed ahead of them.