The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl-winning season with elite linebacker play at the heart of their defense, but 2025 brings uncertainty at one of those inside linebacker spots. While All-Pro Zack Baun returns on a new three-year, $51 million deal after a breakout 2024 campaign, the situation alongside him is far less stable.
Nakobe Dean, who recorded an impressive 128 tackles last season in his first year as a full-time starter, is recovering from a serious torn patellar tendon injury. That casts significant doubt on his availability and effectiveness to start the year. Meanwhile, rookie Jihaad Campbell—taken in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft—is still rehabbing from injury himself, raising the stakes for Philadelphia to find a reliable short-term solution.
That’s where top prospect comes in.
The 28-year-old free agent is the top available off-ball linebacker and an ideal fit for Philly given his experience, production, and familiarity with the organization. He started 17 games for the Cardinals last season, notching 137 tackles and showcasing his durability and leadership, including time wearing the green dot as the on-field play-caller. He also brings past experience with the Eagles, having started eight games for them in 2022.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport recently endorsed him as the premier remaining linebacker on the market, citing his proven consistency—three 100+ tackle seasons over the past four years—and ability to make impact plays, with 7.5 career sacks and six interceptions.
With a championship window wide open and major questions at one linebacker spot, signing Kyzir White would give the Eagles much-needed insurance and leadership at the second level. Whether Dean takes longer to return or Campbell isn’t quite ready, White could step in immediately and stabilize the middle of Philly’s defense without skipping a beat.
Dean, Campbell Both Dealing With Injury Issues
Nakobe Dean’s return timeline remains uncertain after suffering a torn patellar tendon during the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Packers. Recovery from that type of injury is often comparable to an ACL tear, which could result in Dean missing the majority of the 2025 season.
To address the position, the Eagles moved up one spot in the draft, trading picks with the Kansas City Chiefs to select Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 overall. As part of the deal, Philadelphia also sent a fifth-round pick (No. 164) in the 2025 draft to Kansas City.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles had previously tried to move up for Campbell but were unsuccessful until the final deal came together. Schefter also noted that Campbell comes with medical concerns, including a prior shoulder surgery, a need for surgery on the opposite shoulder, and a knee issue.
White’s Path to Becoming Reliable NFL Starter
Kyzir White, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 234 pounds, was a standout hybrid safety/linebacker at West Virginia, earning All-Big 12 honors in 2017 with 94 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 7 pass breakups.
He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft (No. 119 overall) and was transitioned to linebacker during rookie minicamp. White earned a starting role as a rookie but was limited to just three games due to a knee injury. He broke out in 2021, starting all 17 games and recording 144 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 7 tackles for loss.
In 2022, White signed a one-year, \$3 million deal with the Eagles, appearing in all 17 games with 8 starts and tallying 110 tackles while contributing to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run.
He later joined the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, \$10 million contract in March 2023. White registered 90 tackles in 11 games before a torn biceps tendon sidelined him for the final six games of the season.