The Philadelphia Eagles have officially signed former Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell to his first NFL contract, the team announced on Wednesday. Selected at No. 31 overall in the NFL Draft on April 24, 2025, Campbell was a priority for the Eagles, who traded up one spot in the first round to secure the versatile playmaker.
Campbell’s four-year, fully guaranteed $14.844 million contract includes a substantial $7.465 million signing bonus and comes with a fifth-year team option. The deal underscores Philadelphia’s high expectations for the former Crimson Tide star, whose athleticism and football IQ have drawn praise.
However, Campbell’s immediate on-field impact may be delayed. Following offseason shoulder surgery, he missed the Eagles’ entire offseason program, which concluded on Tuesday. As the team prepares for training camp on July 22, Campbell’s availability remains uncertain.
“We’ll see,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Tuesday when asked about Campbell’s recovery timeline. “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. I know he’s doing everything he can to get himself ready.”
While Campbell has been sidelined physically, the Eagles are ensuring he stays sharp mentally. Sirianni emphasized the importance of mental reps for the rookie, noting that Campbell is absorbing the playbook through film study, walkthroughs, and observing practices. “We’re probably the only sport that practices more than they play, and then also has more walkthroughs than practice reps,” Sirianni said. “He’s going to be getting a lot of opportunities to watch walkthroughs, to watch practice to get those mental reps because, obviously, you’re not working the fundamentals of block destruction or tackling or how to take the football away. But what you’re trying to make sure is they have the mental part of the game down.”
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio revealed earlier this month that Campbell is currently learning the inside-linebacker positions, though Sirianni didn’t rule out the possibility of the rookie playing outside linebacker. “He’s a good football player,” Sirianni said. “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. We know that he’s versatile and able to do multiple things.”
As Campbell works toward full recovery, the Eagles are banking on his versatility and playmaking ability to bolster their defense. With training camp approaching, all eyes will be on the former Alabama standout as he aims to translate his mental preparation into on-field dominance. Rivals, take note: once Campbell is cleared, Philadelphia’s defense could become even more formidable.