Story perspectives

Eagles Trade Up, Sign Makai Lemon to $20.8M Deal

5/2/2026

Summary

Eagles Sign Lemon

The Philadelphia Eagles signed rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon on April 30, 2026 to a four-year guaranteed contract worth over $20.8 million, including an $11.5 million signing bonus.
Howie Roseman (GM) traded picks No. 23, 114, 137 and a 2027 seventh-rounder to the Cowboys to move up to No. 20.
Lemon, who recorded 79 catches, 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025 at USC, will attend the rookie minicamp May 1-2, 2026 at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.

Summary

Lemon Wears #9

Lemon becomes the first Philadelphia Eagle to wear No. 9 since Nick Foles left after the 2018 season.
He called Nick Foles for permission, receiving the former quarterback’s personal approval for the number.
No. 9 is associated with the 2017 Super Bowl LII victory and the “Philly Special” play.
The Eagles have never officially retired No. 9 and keep it unused out of respect.

History

Historical Context

The Eagles’ No. 9 jersey gained mythic status when backup quarterback Nick Foles stepped in after Carson Wentz’s ACL tear and led Philadelphia to a 41-33 Super Bowl LII win on February 4 2018. Since that triumph, the franchise has pursued marquee talent—signing Saquon Barkley in 2024 and fielding a Pro Bowl-rich roster under coach Nick Sirianni. The jersey’s legacy now guides each new acquisition as the team seeks another championship.

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Eagles Sign Lemon

The Philadelphia Eagles signed rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon on April 30, 2026 to a four-year guaranteed contract worth over $20.8 million, including an $11.5 million signing bonus.
Howie Roseman (GM) traded picks No. 23, 114, 137 and a 2027 seventh-rounder to the Cowboys to move up to No. 20.
Lemon, who recorded 79 catches, 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025 at USC, will attend the rookie minicamp May 1-2, 2026 at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.

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