Nate

Gerry

Gerry was with the Eagles, playing inside and outside linebacker, for four years before signing with the 49ers in the spring. He started seven games in 2020 prior to suffering a season-ending Achilles’ injury. Gerry registered 3.5 sacks and three interceptions during his time with the Eagles. Gerry was an every-down player for the Eagles before landing on injured reserve and has 22 career starts. He should be able to land with a new team get another shot at cracking a 53-man roster before the season starts.

Gerry played as both an outside and inside linebacker in 46 games for the Eagles, who drafted him in 2017. Gerry recorded 3.5 sacks in his four seasons in Philadelphia. He played just seven games in 2020 while struggling through an Achilles injury. Pro Football Focus graded Gerry as the 83rd best linebacker in the league last year.

Gerry has been playing through an Achilles injury most of the season. The Eagles are hoping to get him back after three weeks rest. Gerry is Philly’s playcaller and leading tackler. He’s eligible to return in Week 11.

Gerry (6’2/218) made 40 career starts in the Cornhuskers’ secondary, tallying 19 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles and finishing second in school history in career interceptions (13). Recruited to play linebacker, Gerry settled in at strong safety and earned third-team All-America in 2016. Gerry showed adequate athleticism at the Combine, running 4.58 with a 10-foot-2 broad jump. An exceptional downhill run defender with experience in man coverage versus tight ends, Gerry has some Barry Church to his game as a box safety prospect.

Gerry was recruited as a linebacker out of high school, but he ended up playing safety at Nebraska. He has the size (6’2/218) and ability against the run to make the switch, and the Eagles believe he has the mindset as well. “The reason I would say that he could convert [from] safety [to] linebacker is, I think, the mental toughness, the physicality that he plays with,” VP of player personnel Joe Douglas said. “He was an athletic guy that could range all over the field, and I think you’re going to see that range even more so at the linebacker position.” Gerry’s ability to pick up his new position could affect what the Eagles do with Mychal Kendricks, who has been the subject of trade rumors.

Gerry was the No. 184 overall pick of the draft. A college safety, he’s trying to make the switch to linebacker. He’ll likely look to continue the transition on the practice squad.