With the NFC East division in sight despite a 1-4 record, the Washington Football Team is making changes across their starting lineup. Deshazor Everett will start at free safety in place of the young Troy Apke versus the New York Giants Sunday, the team announced.
The third-year pro Apke beat out veteran Sean Davis in training camp for the starting free safety spot. Washington then released Davis mere months after giving him a $2 million signing bonus.
Apke in turn has struggled mightily through the first five games of the season, especially in pass cover. Thus, lending the opportunity to make a change.
Head coach Ron Rivera said the team was looking for a someone to complement strong safety Landon Collins, who also has struggled this year especially in coverage.
Everett is in his sixth season with Washington after going undrafted in 2015 out of Texas A&M. He has primarily spent his career as a special teams ace, earning the captain tag three seasons in a row.
He last started on defense in 2018. Everett has started 11 games throughout his career and has two interceptions.
Last week, he played 21 snaps on defense and after a week full of practice, will get the start in Washington’s attempt to sure up the back end of their defense.
