Full Breakdown
Eagles Linebacker Outlook Ahead of 2026 Training Camp
7/10/2026, 10:10:46 PM
Core Event: 2026 Training Camp Linebacker Depth Chart
The Philadelphia Eagles report to the Jefferson Health Training Complex on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 to begin a 2026 training camp. The projected linebacker depth chart lists Zack Baun as the top-off-ball linebacker, followed by Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter, Chance Campbell, Smael Mondon, and Deontae Lawson. The chart reflects a blend of veterans, recent signees, and undrafted free agents competing for roster spots and special-teams roles.
Background & Context
In the first seven games of the 2025 season, Chance Campbell recorded 43 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and several pass break-ups before being demoted when Nakobe Dean returned from a patellar-tendon tear. Campbell spent the remainder of the season on the edge in a hybrid role but was largely ineffective as a pass rusher. He missed the entire 2022 rookie season with a knee injury, was on and off the roster in 2023 after a pre-game injury, and sat out 2024 with a torn ACL. A shoulder procedure kept him out of spring practice, yet he changed his jersey number from 30 to 11 and was expected to be ready for camp.
Jeremiah Trotter, a two-year camp veteran, has been praised for his instincts despite lacking ideal size. He began 2025 as the first off-ball linebacker off the bench, contributed heavily on special teams, and led the team in special-teams tackles that year.
Zack Baun and Deontae Lawson entered camp as relatively unproven players; Lawson, an undrafted free agent, returned from an ACL tear suffered late in 2024.
Smael Mondon, a rookie, logged 289 special-teams snaps and 14 defensive snaps in 2025, primarily during garbage-time blowouts.
Key Figures & Prospects
| Player | Status | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Zack Baun | Projected starter (off-ball LB) | Fresh rookie, depth-chart top spot |
| Jihaad Campbell | Expected starter (off-ball LB) | Mature after demotion, jersey change to 11 |
| Jeremiah Trotter | Veteran special-teamer, backup LB | Led 2025 special-teams tackles |
| Chance Campbell | Backup LB, edge-rusher hybrid | 43 tackles in 2025, injury-prone |
| Smael Mondon | Special-teams contributor, rookie | 289 ST snaps, limited defensive reps |
| Deontae Lawson | Undrafted free agent, depth | Returning from 2024 ACL tear |
Data & Statistics
- Chance Campbell: 43 tackles, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, multiple pass break-ups (first seven games, 2025).
- Jeremiah Trotter: Team leader in 2025 special-teams tackles.
- Smael Mondon: 289 special-teams snaps, 14 defensive snaps in 2025.
Why It Matters
Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme relies on versatile linebackers who can execute both run-stop and coverage duties. Depth at the off-ball linebacker position is crucial, especially after Nakobe Dean signed with the Raiders, leaving Trotter as the primary backup should Baun or Campbell be unavailable. The ability of undrafted players like Lawson and Mondon to earn roster spots could affect special-teams efficiency and overall defensive flexibility.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note Chance Campbell’s recurring injuries and limited pass-rush production raise doubts about his long-term role. Zack Baun remains an untested rookie, and his capacity to handle starter responsibilities is uncertain. The competition among multiple fringe players creates a “razor-thin” roster bubble, increasing the risk of turnover before the regular season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source states Campbell was “unexpectedly ready on Day 1 of camp,” while another suggests he was not expected to participate until August due to a shoulder procedure. No official statements from the Eagles organization have been released to confirm his health status or the final depth-chart order.
