The Philadelphia Eagles made waves in the NFL on Wednesday, announcing the signing of former Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell to his first professional contract. Selected at No. 31 overall in the NFL Draft on April 24, 2025, the Eagles traded up one spot in the first round to secure the versatile and dynamic defender, signaling their high expectations for his impact on the team.
Campbell inked a four-year, fully guaranteed $14.844 million deal, which includes a substantial $7.465 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option. The contract underscores Philadelphia’s confidence in the rookie’s potential to become a cornerstone of their defense. However, Campbell’s immediate on-field contributions will be delayed due to offseason shoulder surgery, which kept him out of the Eagles’ offseason practices.
The Eagles wrapped up their offseason program on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, with players set to report for training camp on July 22. Head coach Nick Sirianni remained cautious about Campbell’s recovery timeline, stating, “We’ll see. I never want to put a timetable on anybody. Some guys get through things quicker than others and vice versa, so no timetable on that as far as when he’ll be ready.” Sirianni emphasized that Campbell is doing everything possible to prepare for his return, focusing on mental preparation during his recovery.
Despite his absence from physical drills, the Eagles are ensuring Campbell stays engaged with the team’s defensive schemes. “We’re making sure he can get all the mental reps that he possibly can get at this particular time,” Sirianni explained. He noted that football’s unique balance of practice, walkthroughs, and film study allows Campbell to absorb the playbook and refine his understanding of the game. “He’s going to be getting a lot of those opportunities to watch walkthroughs, to watch practice to get those mental reps,” Sirianni added, highlighting the team’s focus on developing Campbell’s grasp of defensive concepts like block destruction, tackling, and forcing turnovers.
Earlier this month, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio revealed that Campbell is primarily learning the inside-linebacker positions, though Sirianni left the door open for the rookie to play outside linebacker as well. “He’s a good football player. We drafted him because he’s a really, really good football player and excited to have him in whatever role he’s going to execute,” Sirianni said. “We know that he’s versatile and able to do multiple things.”
While Campbell’s recovery may delay his debut, the Eagles’ investment in him speaks volumes about their belief in his potential to become a game-changer in the NFC. With his combination of athleticism, instincts, and versatility, Jihaad Campbell is poised to make a lasting impact in Philadelphia—and leave opposing offenses on edge for years to come.