The loss of linebacker Nakobe Dean has not been felt by Philadelphia Eagles fans, but his latest message will make the fan base feel at ease about his replacement.
Dean departed from Philly in free agency after signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. He told Eagles fans that his replacement, Jihaad Campbell, is the real deal and that they should be excited to see him.
“Jihaad can be great,” Dean said via NBC Sports Philadelphia's Dave Zangaro. “You’re talking about somebody who was probably on track to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. But that’s what you expected. And he’s close to home, so it’s his team too. He had a lot of expectations, definitely being a first-round pick and everything. And I feel like now that he’ll have that role to be himself and to play the ball that he needs to play, the sky is the limit for him.
“You’re talking about a guy who’s got the size, the ability to do everything on the field from the linebacker position, from covering, to blitzing, to stopping the run. He’s a three-down linebacker. He can do it all. He’s going to be great for sure, and he’s got a crazy work ethic.”
Jihaad Campbell is a good replacement for Nakobe Dean
Campbell came up big early in the season as the 2025 first-round pick was thrust into action right away, starting in place for Dean early in the season, and even when Dean returned from his injury, Campbell stayed in the rotation. In 17 games he appeared in, Campbell racked up 80 tackles, three pass deflections, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He also landed on the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie team.
There is a little bit of concern this offseason for Campbell, though, as he is dealing with a shoulder injury for the second straight year. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio shared the news early this month, but Campbell is expected to be ready to go for training camp.
Going into the 2026 season, it will be Zack Baun and Campbell in the starting lineup at inside linebacker. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. will have bigger roles in the rotation.
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Eagles fans will miss Dean, as he was great when he played over the last four years, but Campbell appears to be ready for the inside linebacker job full-time.