According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Eagles hosted free agent linebacker/safety Keanu Neal for a visit on Thursday.

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Neal, 27, is a former first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent the first five years of his career. He was considered one of the best young safeties in the league when he arrived, earning a Pro Bowl nod in just his second season.

Following his Pro Bowl 2017 campaign, Neal was plagued by injuries throughout the 2018 and ’19 seasons, logging just 203 total snaps during those years. Upon returning in 2020, Neal transitioned to more of a linebacker role for Atlanta, tallying 484 snaps inside the box, as opposed to 226 at free safety.

Neal then joined the Dallas Cowboys the following season, where he fully embraced the linebacker position. The transition didn’t really go according to plan for Neal and the Cowboys, as the former safety posted abysmal marks on Pro Football Focus. He earned a 35.9 defensive grade in 2020, along with a 28.1 run defense grade and 49.9 coverage grade.

He managed to bounce back a bit in 2022 with Tampa Bay, but the team still decided to part ways with Neal once free agency began.

The Eagles have a history of trying to convert safeties to linebacker throughout recent years. It’s backfired pretty much every time. Even uttering the words ‘Nate Gerry’ in Philadelphia is taboo. You can even be arrested for such an offense. It’s true, search it up.

Anyway, Neal has at least had success at the NFL level. While his potential role with the Eagles is up for debate if he signs, his versatility is intriguing enough to warrant a visit. Philly just needs capable bodies at safety, and Neal checks that box.

>> Read More: Eagles still sit atop CBS Sports’ NFC power rankings despite free agency casualties

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