On Wednesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Eagles management finalized their business commitments as the team concluded its mandatory minicamp session for the week. General Manager Howie Roseman announced that the Eagles had successfully secured a contract with their first-round draft pick, Jihaad Campbell. Following the official signing of Campbell, the Eagles utilized social media to confirm this achievement. The press release stated that Campbell’s deal is a four-year contract, which includes a fifth-year team option. Shortly after, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Campbell’s contract includes a guarantee of $14,903,574, making it a significant investment for the Eagles. With this signing, only four of the 32 first-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft remain unsigned as minicamps come to a close.
Jihaad Campbell has an impressive academic and athletic background, having just completed three seasons at the University of Alabama. His freshman year saw him participating in nine games but managing only a single tackle. However, his performance improved considerably during his sophomore year, where he played in 13 games, accumulating 66 tackles, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and half a sack. This uptick in performance was a clear indication of his potential, and he continued to enhance his reputation during his junior year. Campbell recorded a total of 54 tackles, with 12 of those being tackles for a loss. Additionally, he notched five sacks, an interception, two pass deflections, and another fumble recovery, demonstrating his all-around abilities.
The Eagles’ interest in Campbell was strategic, as they recognized his value during the draft when other teams were evaluating their picks. On draft night, they decided to trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to move up and secure Campbell, whom they viewed as the best player available at that point. Roseman’s decision to prioritize a linebacker in the first round marked a departure from his usual drafting strategy, as he typically does not target that position early in the draft cycle. This change emphasizes the evolving needs of the Eagles as they focus on strengthening their defense, particularly at the linebacker position.
With this recent acquisition, Campbell joins a growing roster of talent in the Eagles’ linebacker unit. The group currently includes notable players such as Zack Baun, who has performed admirably during his tenure with the team, and recently signed a multi-year deal to solidify his place. Other linebackers in the mix include Nakobe Dean, Azeez Ojulari, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and Nolan Smith. With this diverse array of skilled athletes, the Eagles are not only looking to bolster their defense but are also crafting a competitive environment that could facilitate Campbell’s development as a player.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Campbell into their defensive schemes effectively. His experience from a formidable college program like Alabama should accelerate his ability to contribute at the NFL level. The coaching staff is likely to emphasize refining his skills and harnessing his potential, given the high expectations that come with being a first-round draft choice. Campbell’s progression will be closely monitored, and his performance during practices and preseason games will be pivotal in determining his role within the team.
In summary, the signing of Jihaad Campbell represents an important step for the Philadelphia Eagles as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. With a four-year, fully guaranteed contract, Campbell adds depth to a linebacker unit that has undergone notable changes and investment. His transformation from an underperforming freshman to a standout junior makes him a player to watch closely. General Manager Howie Roseman’s willingness to trade up for Campbell indicates a strategic pivot towards building a stronger defense, ensuring the Eagles remain competitive in the ever-challenging NFL landscape.
