Jihaad Campbell signs $14.9M rookie deal with Eagles, returns home

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially signed former Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell to a four-year, fully guaranteed $14.9 million rookie contract, bringing one of college football’s most dynamic defenders into the heart of the City of Brotherly Love.

The deal, which includes a $7.5 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option, marks the next chapter for the 31st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a lifelong Eagles fan.

Campbell, who grew up in New Jersey, spoke at his introductory press conference about the significance of joining the team he watched as a child. “It’s a dream come true,” Campbell said. “My dad and grandfather raised me on Eagles football. To put on this jersey means everything to my family.”

The Eagles’ front office sees Campbell as a versatile chess piece.

Executive vice president Howie Roseman called him “a front-seven player who’s got incredible versatility and a skillset to do both edge and off-ball linebacker duties.”

“We’re excited to get a guy who can impact the game in so many ways,” Roseman said

Campbell’s journey to the NFL was powered by a standout collegiate career at Alabama.

After being recruited by legendary coach Nick Saban, Campbell played 35 games for the Crimson Tide, racking up 184 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. His 117-tackle season in 2023 ranks among the top eight in school history.

Saban praised Campbell’s growth and versatility.

“This guy lit it up at the combine,” Saban said during draft coverage. “He’s explosive, he’s got twitch, and he’s a great person. What people have to understand is he played with his hand in the dirt in high school, then became an elite linebacker in college. He’ll fit in anywhere the Eagles put him.”

Analysts have lauded Campbell’s blend of speed, physicality, and football intelligence. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, cementing his reputation as one of the most athletic linebackers in the draft class.

Bleacher Report’s scouting report noted Campbell’s “decent motor, bend and long-arm move as a pass-rusher or blitzer,” highlighting his potential to line up at multiple spots along the Eagles’ defensive front.

The Eagles, who have made a habit of targeting defensive versatility in recent drafts, see Campbell as a key building block for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

“We’re going to recruit the best talent, and at the same time, we’re going to pour every ounce of our coaching ability, of mentorship, into helping our players become even better,” Fangio said in a recent Q&A.

With expectations high, Campbell is preparing to contribute right away.

“I want to learn from the veterans, but I’m ready to make plays for this city,” he told reporters. “It’s about bringing a championship back home.”