Former Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin didn't take long finding a new team, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles after he was released by the Bills earlier in March. He was eligible to sign a contract before the new league year begins because he was let go by Buffalo last week.
Former Bills CB Leodis McKelvin lands with Eagles
McKelvin was released by the Bills earlier in March to clear $3.9 million in cap space.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, it's a two-year deal worth just over $6 million for McKelvin, who previously spent eight seasons with the Bills after he was drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was released a week before he was set to receive a $750,000 roster bonus from the Bills, saving Buffalo $3.9 million in cap space for the 2016 season.
A longtime starting cornerback for the Bills, McKelvin missed the first two months of the 2015 season due to an ankle injury and played a little at safety upon his return to the lineup. That may be a more permanent move for the defensive back now that he’s set to turn 31 in September and has dealt with injuries in recent seasons.
McKelvin recorded 13 career interceptions and four forced fumbles in 98 games with the Bills, and may also be able to contribute as a returner. He hasn’t had a punt return touchdown since 2012, when he recorded two, and managed just 21 yards on seven punt returns in 2015.
The Eagles were in the market for defensive back help after agreeing to trade cornerback Byron Maxwell to the Dolphins earlier this week. The Eagles last season struggled in the secondary, ranking 28th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. Philly also was a logical destination for McKelvin, who was coached by new Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz during his tenure in Buffalo.
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