Winning a Super Bowl is an extraordinary achievement, but winning it again the following year is even more rare—and significantly harder. For the Philadelphia Eagles, the 2025 offseason wasn’t a time to bask in glory; it was a time to gear up. With every rival aiming to knock them off their perch, the Eagles became the hunted. General manager Howie Roseman understood that they had to think strategically, like chess masters, not just reactively. Every personnel decision and draft selection carried weight. In hindsight, one decision rose above the rest: selecting linebacker.
After hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the Eagles soon discovered that championship success carries a price. Salary cap limitations and players seeking new opportunities triggered a series of notable exits. Josh Sweat and Milton Williams signed elsewhere. The secondary took a major hit, losing both leadership and talent with the departures of Darius Slay Jr. and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Perhaps most surprising was the decision to part ways with emerging offensive tackle Mekhi Becton—a move that drew plenty of scrutiny.
To counterbalance their offseason losses, Howie Roseman made targeted, if understated, additions. Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche were brought in to bolster the edge rusher rotation, while AJ Dillon signed on to provide a powerful complement to Saquon Barkley’s explosiveness in the backfield—adding a dose of “thunder” to Philly’s offensive “lightning.” But the most telling move was re-signing All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun after his breakout season, underscoring Roseman’s intent to fortify the core of a defense undergoing change.
Even so, Philadelphia didn’t dominate free agency. They made their biggest splash on draft night. With Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, Nebraska’s Ty Robinson, and defensive backs Andrew Mukuba and Jason Jackson, the Eagles secured a rookie class built for the future. In Campbell’s case, that future could begin immediately.
Let’s take a closer look at what may have been the Eagles’ smartest move of the 2025 NFL offseason.
Betting Big on Jihaad Campbell
Selecting Jihaad Campbell in the first round was unquestionably the Eagles’ boldest decision—and, in hindsight, likely their best. Though his pre-draft process was slowed by a lingering injury, the upside was too great to pass up. The former Alabama standout appeared in 35 games over three seasons, amassing 119 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles during a dominant 2024 All-SEC campaign. He’s the prototype of today’s linebacker: fast, instinctive, and versatile. Regardless of position, he was one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft.
But this pick was about more than just talent—it reflected both need and philosophy. With key veterans like Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson gone, and the front seven in transition, Roseman doubled down on speed and aggression in the heart of the defense. Teaming Campbell with Zack Baun creates a high-upside linebacker tandem capable of covering ground, disguising pressures, and holding firm against the run.
The move also aligned with Roseman’s broader vision: building through the draft to secure long-term value. This approach offers dual benefits—financial flexibility and a cultural refresh. Rather than overpaying for a veteran, the Eagles landed a potential cornerstone on a rookie contract. And Campbell brings more than just skill—he’s grounded, competitive, and forged in the fire of SEC football. All signs point to him becoming a foundational leader for years to come.
The Risk of Letting Go
Of course, every draft pick carries an element of risk, and the Eagles made their share of calculated gambles. Parting ways with Mekhi Becton after his breakout season was a particularly tough call—especially considering his role in protecting franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts and paving the way for the ground game. Still, the front office acted decisively. Trading for Kendrick Green provided a cost-effective solution to help stabilize the offensive line while maintaining financial flexibility.
There’s also the lingering concern around Jihaad Campbell’s health. If his past injuries flare up again, what appears to be a deep linebacker group could quickly become a vulnerable spot. Still, the Eagles have a track record of turning calculated gambles into success stories. Just look at players like Jordan Mailata or Landon Dickerson—both came with question marks but developed into key contributors. At the moment, Campbell feels like the next in that line: a high-upside bet with the potential to pay off in a big way.
Why This Was the Best Move
Drafting Jihaad Campbell wasn’t merely a smart football move—it was a cultural statement. Rather than scrambling to make flashy free-agent signings or overpaying to fill gaps left by departing veterans, Howie Roseman stayed true to the Eagles’ philosophy. He placed faith in the team’s developmental pipeline and the coaching staff’s ability to mold top-tier young talent. It was a measured, forward-thinking decision that reinforced the organization’s identity: build from within, stay disciplined, and trust the process.
Jihaad Campbell’s arrival sends a clear message to the rest of the NFC: the Eagles aren’t content with just one championship. They’re not standing still—they’re constructing a sustainable powerhouse built to contend for years. With a defensive line still anchored by Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, the addition of Campbell brings balance and cohesion to the front seven. His presence could be the key that ties the unit together.
If Campbell lives up to his considerable potential, this pick won’t just strengthen the defense—it could reshape its identity and push Philadelphia’s Super Bowl window well beyond 2025.
In an offseason marked by key departures, the Philadelphia Eagles made one of their most impactful additions by drafting Jihaad Campbell. It was a move rooted in both immediate need and long-term vision. If Campbell lives up to expectations, we may one day look back and recognize this as the turning point—not when the Eagles merely held the line, but when they ensured their continued excellence.
Bottom line: The Eagles may have lost some familiar faces, but in Jihaad Campbell, they gained a future star—one who could help keep them at the top for years to come.