NFL free agent Devin Funchess reveals he is considering switch to basketball
NFL receiver and free agent Devin Funchess revealed in an interview that he was considering playing professional basketball. Funchess shared the idea that he’s been considering during COVID-19 and free agency — indicating that he would be interested in starting a basketball career overseas with the goal to come back to the NBA.
Devin Funchess considering basketball
Funchess has made a name for himself as a former Michigan star and played for four seasons with the Carolina Panthers as a second-round draft pick in 2015. Despite the success he found in football, Funchess admitted in an interview with Bally Sports that his first love and passion was basketball.
The former Wolverines standout revealed that he hasn’t played team basketball since 2010 when he was forced to make a decision and chose to focus on his football career. Although he hasn’t played for a team since then, Funchess explained that he’s been playing some basketball while entertaining free agency conversations with the NFL playoffs approaching.
According to Funchess, he knows that he’s got to put in the work if he was serious about the switch — but pointed out that he’s still just 28 years old and capable physically.
As for his still-ongoing football career, Funchess also shared some insight on his current free agency and how teams are searching for late-season options. The multiple-team veteran explained that teams are looking for proven talents and veteran skillsets this late in the year, while sharing that three playoff teams have expressed interest in him.
Funchess also admitted that part of his personal free agency negotiations were based on his size as a receiver or tight end pass catching threat. While teams are excited about his size and ability, the fact that Funchess wouldn’t be an addition to special teams has come into the discussions he has had.
When asked which team he would play for right away if he could sign with any team he wanted — Funchess shared that he has a strong connection with the Philadelphia Eagles roster.