Eagles WR Nelson Agholor could find a role as kickoff returner

After underachieving in his first two seasons with the Eagles and watching the team add players ahead of on the team, wide receiver Nelson Agholor must be a role player for the Eagles in 2017. One new role he could fill is as a kick returner.

"It's great," Agholor said. "If I can get the ball in my hands, that's what I want to do. I'm creative. If I catch it, I want to go."

Agholor added that to his duties late last season after the Eagles cut Josh Huff. He returned five kicks for 92 yards, with a long of 27 yards. Although there's still a lot of time before the Eagles settle on their returners, Agholor could combine with Wendell Smallwood as the Eagles' top kickoff returners this season. Darren Sproles is entrenched as a punt returner.

While starring at USC, Agholor was an accomplished returner – mostly as a punt returner, though. He scored four punt return touchdowns and averaged 14.6 yards per punt return. He averaged 18.5 yards on 24 career kickoff returns.

[Eagles LB Mychal Kendricks requested trade, remains on the team]

"For me, I just like catching the ball," Agholor said. "It's just like taking a jet sweep or catching a quick screen. It's about finding the void and going. I like that idea. I look forward to it, because at the end of the day, the more touches – I feel like you get explosive kickoff return, you line up back at receiver, you can get a big play at receiver because you're in the game."

Agholor is behind Alshon Jeffery, Jordan Matthews, and Torrey Smith at wide receiver. He was a starter last season. He's capable of playing both outside and in the slot, but if he's the fourth wide receiver, he must find a role on special teams. That's why the return game could be an area for Agholor to try to excel in this season.