The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to bold decisions — but this one has fans scratching their heads. With Britain Covey no longer on the roster, the Eagles have a noticeable void at punt returner heading into the 2024 season.
Logically, many assumed that Cooper DeJean, the dynamic and versatile rookie cornerback, would be the immediate plug-in. He has the speed, agility, and playmaking instincts to thrive in that role. But recent reports suggest Philly might be heading in a completely different direction — one that not only shakes up the special teams unit, but also raises eyebrows across the fan base.
Undrafted Rookie Taylor Morin: The Surprise Front-Runner
According to Sports Illustrated’s John McMullen, Taylor Morin, an undrafted rookie out of Wake Forest, is emerging as a legitimate contender for the full-time punt return duties.
Who exactly is Taylor Morin? At first glance, he doesn’t carry the same buzz or draft pedigree as DeJean — but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a player who has the credentials to make noise in the NFL.
Morin, who played six seasons at Wake Forest, was a consistent threat both as a wide receiver and return man. In his final college season, he returned 14 punts for 238 yards, averaging an eye-popping 17.0 yards per return — a stat that stands out, even in the pros. Over the course of his college career, he tallied 809 punt return yards, showing consistent explosiveness and smart decision-making in open space.
And he wasn’t just a return specialist — Morin is the all-time leader in receiving yards (2,974) at Wake Forest, ranks second in receptions (227), and fourth in touchdowns (21). His résumé paints the picture of a player who was not only reliable but electric. He’s a technician with the ball in his hands — the kind of athlete who can turn a routine return into a momentum-shifting play.
Why Not Cooper DeJean?
So why isn’t Cooper DeJean the clear-cut choice?
The answer lies in his projected importance to the defense. As a first-round draft pick expected to lock down one side of the field, DeJean is already under a heavy workload. Risking injury on special teams — particularly during punt returns, where violent collisions are frequent — might not be a gamble the coaching staff is willing to take.
McMullen suggests a compromise could be using DeJean in “high-leverage” return situations, like late-game moments where a big return could turn the tide. But for routine returns? That might be a role reserved for someone else — like Morin.
A Crowded but Uncertain Returner Room
Morin isn’t the only player in the conversation. The Eagles also signed Avery Williams, a free agent with prior return duties in Atlanta. He was brought in with the intention of handling both punt and kickoff return roles — but an undisclosed injury kept him out all spring, casting doubt on his readiness.
There’s also Ainias Smith, a second-year receiver who brings speed and agility to the table, and Jahan Dotson, who has dabbled in punt returns to stay sharp. But neither seems to be positioned as a primary return man.
So with Covey gone, Williams injured, and DeJean potentially off-limits for full-time return duties, Taylor Morin’s path to the roster — and the spotlight — suddenly looks very real.
What This Means for the Eagles
If the Eagles do move forward with Morin as the primary punt returner, it’s not just a bold move — it’s a statement. It signals trust in raw talent and performance over draft status or name recognition. It could also highlight the front office’s belief in DeJean’s long-term value on defense over his potential as a dual-role player.
Of course, there’s also a strategic angle: by protecting DeJean from special teams exposure, the Eagles may preserve his health and keep him laser-focused on anchoring the secondary. That’s a big-picture move — and a smart one — even if it means handing a high-pressure job to a rookie who wasn’t even drafted.
Final Thoughts: Smart Gamble or Head-Scratching Snub?
The Eagles are known for finding hidden gems — and Taylor Morin might be the next one. But if he does win the job over Cooper DeJean and others, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. A few muffed punts, and the decision could come back to haunt them.
For now, though, the Eagles seem willing to bet on production over pedigree — and Morin is giving them every reason to do so.
Whether this turns out to be a genius move or a misfire, one thing is certain: Taylor Morin just became one of the most interesting names to watch at Eagles camp.
