NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Walter Thurmond (26) runs with the ball after an interception against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles S Walter Thurmond

The New York Giants must have thought they had a steal on their hands when they signed former Seattle Seahawks above-average nickel corner Walter Thurmond III to a one-year, $3.5 million deal after he earned looks from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Redskins.

A torn pectoral prevented Thurmond from making an impact for the Giants, but the Philadelphia Eagles could receive a solid season from the 28-year-old Oregon product.

Penciled in as the starting safety across from 2014 free agent signing and solid player Malcolm Jenkins, Thurmond is under a lot of pressure to stay healthy and succeed at a new position with so little depth at safety behind him. In fact, you could say that the Eagles don’t have any real depth behind their experienced starters, and Thurmond’s coverage skills and tackling will be put to the test.

Byron Maxwell is already a big name, so the former Seahawk in the Eagles secondary who qualifies as a more under-the-radar “X-Factor” for the Eagles is Thurmond. Remember, no team surrendered more fantasy points to opposing wide receivers last season than Philly, and it wasn’t just because Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher struggled.

Next: Giants X-Factor