Blake

Countess

The move saves the team $1.2 million in cap space. Countess played six games with New York last season, totaling 52 snaps on special teams. He’ll land as a reserve in that same role elsewhere.

A core special teamer for the Eagles last season, the Jets stashed Countess on their practice squad once he was initially waived by Philly in August. The team moved LG Kelechi Osemele (shoulder surgery) to injured reserve in a corresponding move.

It’s a cap-saving move. Countess is a core special teamer that should draw interest when healthy. The Eagles signed DT Aziz Shittu in a corresponding move.

Countess was claimed off waivers from the Rams last week. He was set to make $2 million under his RFA tender, but the new deal will lower his cap hit. Countess will be a core special teamer in Philly.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Countess, who was drafted 196th overall by Philadelphia in 2016 before eventually finding his way to Los Angeles. L.A. parted ways with Countess earlier this week after the safety refused a pay cut. The Rams had hoped Countess would clear waivers so they could bring him back on a cheaper deal but obviously the Eagles didn’t cooperate. The former Auburn Tiger logged seven tackles and one interception over 56 defensive snaps in 2018.

He reportedly refused a pay cut. A deep reserve and core special teamer last season, Countess was a restricted free agent somewhat surprisingly tendered at the original-round ($2.025 million) level. The Rams will presumably try to bring him back at a lower price if he clears waivers.

Countess was originally a sixth-round pick of the Eagles in 2016. He played just 65 defensive snaps for DC Wade Phillips’ group but is an integral special teamer.

Countess (5'10/184) transferred to Auburn after a stint at Michigan and profiles as a slot corner with a willingness to come up and hit versus the run. He’ll have to earn his keep on special teams out of the gate.