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Eagles Draft Biletnikoff Winner Makai Lemon, No. 9, $20.8 M Deal

5/1/2026

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Summary

Makai Lemon Drafted

He was drafted 20th in the 2026 NFL Draft after the Eagles traded up from pick 23 and received Nick Foles’ blessing to wear No. 9, the jersey Foles wore for his LII MVP in February 2018.
Makai Lemon signed a $20.8 million contract and an $11.5 million bonus and will wear No. 9 for Philadelphia Eagles.
USC in 2025 he recorded 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning the Biletnikoff Award.

Summary

Foles Leads Eagles

Nick Foles led the Eagles to a 41-33 Super Bowl LII win, earning the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy.
He threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns and one interception and caught a Philly Special touchdown.
Foles said he could have kept No. 9, yet he blessed rookie Makai Lemon to wear it.
Fans suggested retiring No. 9, yet the number stays active and links the 2026 rookie class to the 2017 championship legacy.

History

Historical Context

The Eagles’ 1960 NFL championship, won over Vince Lombardi’s Packers in the franchise’s 28th season, marked their first playoff victory since 1949 and stayed their last title for 57 years until Super Bowl LII in 2018. That historic triumph gives rookie Makai Lemon’s No. 9 a symbolic link to past postseason glory.

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Makai Lemon Drafted

He was drafted 20th in the 2026 NFL Draft after the Eagles traded up from pick 23 and received Nick Foles’ blessing to wear No. 9, the jersey Foles wore for his LII MVP in February 2018.
Makai Lemon signed a $20.8 million contract and an $11.5 million bonus and will wear No. 9 for Philadelphia Eagles.
USC in 2025 he recorded 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning the Biletnikoff Award.

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