How J.T. Gray could make an immediate impact on Eagles special teams
· Yahoo Sports
The Eagles spent much of the offseason focused on offensive changes and defensive continuity, but one under-the-radar addition could have a meaningful impact on a unit that quietly improved last season. The Eagles signed safety J.T. Gray to a one-year deal after trading Sydney Brown to the Falcons and re-signing Marcus Epps, continuing to reshape their secondary with experienced depth ahead of the 2026 season. The Eagles struck a deal with the Falcons on Friday afternoon, acquiring picks No. 114 and 197 in exchange for picks No. 122 and 215 along with Brown, reshaping their draft capital ahead of selection weekend.
A veteran safety, Gray arrives in Philadelphia with one of the NFL's strongest special teams resumes, and coordinator Michael Clay believes the former multi-time All-Pro can immediately strengthen the Eagles' kicking game entering 2026.
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"With J.T., obviously a multi All-Pro special teams player," Clay said Thursday. "I've always been fond of his game, even back when I was an assistant in San Francisco."
Undrafted out of Mississippi State in 2018, Gray was one of the Saints' longest-tenured players and a captain, and his release came as a surprise last summer. Gray, 30, is a three-time All-Pro and was a special teams Pro Bowler in 2021, but spent last season with the Bucs, Broncos, and Ravens. Gray built his reputation in New Orleans as one of the NFL's elite coverage players, carving out a role through effort, instincts, and consistency rather than defensive snaps. Over multiple seasons with the Saints, Gray became a fixture on kickoff coverage, punt coverage, and return units while establishing himself as one of the league's top gunners. Clay pointed to Gray's experience and football instincts as traits that set him apart from younger players competing for roster spots.
"His tenacity, his understanding," Clay said. "A guy that plays so many special team snaps, he'll bring something to the table that maybe us as coaches don't see in between the plays, him able to adjust on the fly."
That veteran recognition matters on special teams, where split-second decisions often determine field position and hidden yardage. Players who understand blocking angles, leverage responsibilities, and coverage adjustments can change games without recording traditional statistics. Clay also credited Gray's long list of quality coaches, referencing longtime special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who coached Gray in New Orleans.
"He was coached by a lot of good coaches, like Darren Rizzi," Clay said. "He played for him in New Orleans for a long time."
Philadelphia has relied heavily on younger contributors in recent seasons, making Gray's experience particularly valuable. Clay acknowledged that the Eagles have lacked a veteran special-teams presence, given Gray's background and production.
"It's been a while since we've had a veteran guy like that in terms of seeing a lot of ball, blocked a lot of punts, made a lot of tackles as a gunner, kickoff guy," Clay said.
Gray's recent injury history creates one variable entering training camp. Clay noted injuries affected the veteran over the last season and a half, but Philadelphia believes a healthy version can provide immediate value.
"Getting back, staying healthy and out there providing the spark is what we're really excited about," Clay said.
The Eagles continue building toward another postseason push after fielding one of the NFL's top rosters in 2025, and hidden areas often determine whether teams separate from contenders to champions. J.T. Gray may never generate the headlines attached to offensive stars or defensive playmakers, but Philadelphia believes his impact could show up every Sunday in field position, coverage discipline, and the small moments that often decide NFL games.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: J.T. Gray could give Eagles special teams needed veteran boost