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Zack Baun gives the Philadelphia Eagles a proven answer at linebacker. Everything around him is where training camp becomes interesting.
The Eagles enter 2026 with Baun still serving as the tone-setter, leader and most reliable second-level defender in Vic Fangio’s defense. His physicality, processing and ability to function in multiple situations give Philadelphia stability at a position that has often required creativity. The Eagles do not have a question at LB1.
The question is who settles in next to him, how quickly Jihaad Campbell can take on a larger role, and which depth linebackers can force their way into the special teams and defensive plans.
Baun remains the foundation of the linebacker room. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the 29-year-old veteran is entering his seventh NFL season and continues to be one of Philadelphia’s most important defensive players. His value goes beyond tackles. Baun gives the Eagles communication, physicality, range and the type of second-level reliability Fangio needs behind a talented defensive front.
The Eagles need Baun healthy, sharp and steady. If that happens, the rest of the linebacker room has a much cleaner path to sort itself out.
Campbell enters camp with the most important individual storyline in the group. The second-year linebacker has the size, athleticism and first-round talent to become a major piece of the defense. Still, his development depends on health, reps and how quickly he can handle a larger workload.
This is a pivotal summer for Campbell. The Eagles need him to show he can process quickly, fit the run cleanly, cover enough ground in space and stay on the field in multiple packages. If Campbell makes the jump, Philadelphia’s linebacker room becomes faster, more versatile and much more dangerous.
If he does not, the competition next to Baun remains open.
Trotter gives the Eagles another young linebacker with familiarity in the system and a clear path to competing for snaps. Listed at 6-foot and 225 pounds, the former Clemson standout is entering his third season and should understand the speed, communication and physical requirements of the defense.
His camp is about proving he can be more than depth. Trotter must show consistency against the run, improved coverage awareness, and enough special-teams value to remain a trusted part of the game-day plan. If he takes another step, the Eagles have another legitimate option behind Baun and Campbell.
Mondon is one of the more intriguing depth linebackers on the roster. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, the former Georgia defender brings athleticism and SEC experience to the room. His immediate path may come through special teams, but training camp will show whether he can push for defensive snaps.
For Mondon, the challenge is turning traits into trust. Backup linebackers must be assignment-sound, physical, and reliable enough to handle emergency snaps without compromising the defense's structure. If he checks those boxes, he can strengthen his roster case.
Chance Campbell gives Philadelphia a veteran depth option with size and experience. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, the former Mississippi linebacker is entering his fourth season and will need to make his mark through special teams, toughness and reliability.
The numbers game will be difficult, but players with special teams value always have a chance to stick. Campbell’s camp will come down to whether he can separate from the younger linebackers by being more consistent, more physical and more dependable in the kicking game.
Lawson enters as a rookie out of Alabama, and his quickest route to relevance is special teams. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, he gives the Eagles another long, athletic linebacker with developmental upside.
The Eagles do not need every rookie linebacker to become an immediate defensive contributor. Still, Lawsonn can help himself by playing fast, tackling cleanly and showing he can handle coverage assignments without mental mistakes. Preseason games will matter because they will show whether his athleticism translates against NFL competition.
Can Jihaad Campbell become the clear answer next to Zack Baun?
That is the question that will define the group. Baun is locked in, but the Eagles need a second linebacker who can stay on the field, handle coverage responsibilities and give Fangio more flexibility. Campbell has the highest ceiling, but Trotter, Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson all have something to prove.
If Jihaad Campbell takes command of the role, Philadelphia’s linebacker room looks much more complete. If not, Fangio may have to rely on packages, rotations, and special-teams-driven roster decisions deep into August.
Baun is locked in. Jihaad Campbell should enter camp with the clearest path to a major role. Trotter gives the Eagles a developmental player with system familiarity, while Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson are competing for depth spots, special-teams roles and practice-squad consideration.
The Eagles’ defense has star power up front and in the secondary, but the second level still needs answers. If Campbell makes the leap and Baun remains the stabilizing force, Philadelphia’s linebacker room could become one of the more underrated groups on the roster.
If not, the position may remain one of the team’s most important camp competitions. Ten titles
Best title
Philadelphia Eagles 2026 training camp preview: Linebacker
URL
eagles-2026-training-camp-preview-linebacker-zack-baun-jihaad-campbell
Description
Zack Baun anchors the Eagles’ linebacker room, but Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and several young players will battle for roles in camp.
Article
Zack Baun gives the Philadelphia Eagles a proven answer at linebacker.
Everything around him is where training camp becomes interesting.
The Eagles enter 2026 with Baun still serving as the tone-setter, leader and most reliable second-level defender in Vic Fangio’s defense. His physicality, processing and ability to function in multiple situations give Philadelphia stability at a position that has often required creativity. The Eagles do not have a question at LB1.
The question is who settles in next to him, how quickly Jihaad Campbell can take on a larger role, and which depth linebackers can force their way into the special teams and defensive plans.
Baun remains the foundation of the linebacker room. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the 29-year-old veteran is entering his seventh NFL season and continues to be one of Philadelphia’s most important defensive players. His value goes beyond tackles. Baun gives the Eagles communication, physicality, range and the type of second-level reliability Fangio needs behind a talented defensive front.
The Eagles need Baun healthy, sharp and steady. If that happens, the rest of the linebacker room has a much cleaner path to sort itself out.
Campbell enters camp with the most important individual storyline in the group. The second-year linebacker has the size, athleticism and first-round talent to become a major piece of the defense. Still, his development depends on health, reps and how quickly he can handle a larger workload.
This is a pivotal summer for Campbell. The Eagles need him to show he can process quickly, fit the run cleanly, cover enough ground in space and stay on the field in multiple packages. If Campbell makes the jump, Philadelphia’s linebacker room becomes faster, more versatile and much more dangerous.
If he does not, the competition next to Baun remains open.
Trotter gives the Eagles another young linebacker with familiarity in the system and a clear path to competing for snaps. Listed at 6-foot and 225 pounds, the former Clemson standout is entering his third season and should understand the speed, communication and physical requirements of the defense.
His camp is about proving he can be more than depth. Trotter must show consistency against the run, improved coverage awareness, and enough special-teams value to remain a trusted part of the game-day plan. If he takes another step, the Eagles have another legitimate option behind Baun and Campbell.
Mondon is one of the more intriguing depth linebackers on the roster. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, the former Georgia defender brings athleticism and SEC experience to the room. His immediate path may come through special teams, but training camp will show whether he can push for defensive snaps.
For Mondon, the challenge is turning traits into trust. Backup linebackers must be assignment-sound, physical and reliable enough to handle emergency snaps without compromising the structure of the defense. If he checks those boxes, he can strengthen his roster case.
Chance Campbell gives Philadelphia a veteran depth option with size and experience. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, the former Mississippi linebacker is entering his fourth season and will need to make his mark through special teams, toughness and reliability.
The numbers game will be difficult, but players with special teams value always have a chance to stick. Campbell’s camp will come down to whether he can separate from the younger linebackers by being more consistent, more physical and more dependable in the kicking game.
Lawson enters as a rookie out of Alabama, and his quickest route to relevance is special teams. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, he gives the Eagles another long, athletic linebacker with developmental upside.
The Eagles do not need every rookie linebacker to become an immediate defensive contributor. Still, Lawson can help himself by playing fast, tackling cleanly and showing he can handle coverage assignments without mental mistakes. Preseason games will matter because they will show whether his athleticism translates against NFL competition.
Can Jihaad Campbell become the clear answer next to Zack Baun?
That is the question that will define the group. Baun is locked in, but the Eagles need a second linebacker who can stay on the field, handle coverage responsibilities and give Fangio more flexibility. Campbell has the highest ceiling, but Trotter, Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson all have something to prove.
If Jihaad Campbell takes command of the role, Philadelphia’s linebacker room looks much more complete. If not, Fangio may have to rely on packages, rotations, and special-teams-driven roster decisions deep into August.
Baun is locked in. Jihaad Campbell should enter camp with the clearest path to a major role. Trotter gives the Eagles a developmental player with system familiarity, while Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson are competing for depth spots, special-teams roles and practice-squad consideration.
The Eagles’ defense has star power up front and in the secondary, but the second level still needs answers. If Campbell makes the leap and Baun remains the stabilizing force, Philadelphia’s linebacker room could become one of the more underrated groups on the roster.
If not, the position may remain one of the team’s most important camp competitions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Philadelphia Eagles 2026 training camp preview: Linebacker
Continue reading...
The Eagles enter 2026 with Baun still serving as the tone-setter, leader and most reliable second-level defender in Vic Fangio’s defense. His physicality, processing and ability to function in multiple situations give Philadelphia stability at a position that has often required creativity. The Eagles do not have a question at LB1.
The question is who settles in next to him, how quickly Jihaad Campbell can take on a larger role, and which depth linebackers can force their way into the special teams and defensive plans.
Zack Baun
Baun remains the foundation of the linebacker room. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the 29-year-old veteran is entering his seventh NFL season and continues to be one of Philadelphia’s most important defensive players. His value goes beyond tackles. Baun gives the Eagles communication, physicality, range and the type of second-level reliability Fangio needs behind a talented defensive front.
The Eagles need Baun healthy, sharp and steady. If that happens, the rest of the linebacker room has a much cleaner path to sort itself out.
Jihaad Campbell
Campbell enters camp with the most important individual storyline in the group. The second-year linebacker has the size, athleticism and first-round talent to become a major piece of the defense. Still, his development depends on health, reps and how quickly he can handle a larger workload.
This is a pivotal summer for Campbell. The Eagles need him to show he can process quickly, fit the run cleanly, cover enough ground in space and stay on the field in multiple packages. If Campbell makes the jump, Philadelphia’s linebacker room becomes faster, more versatile and much more dangerous.
If he does not, the competition next to Baun remains open.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter gives the Eagles another young linebacker with familiarity in the system and a clear path to competing for snaps. Listed at 6-foot and 225 pounds, the former Clemson standout is entering his third season and should understand the speed, communication and physical requirements of the defense.
His camp is about proving he can be more than depth. Trotter must show consistency against the run, improved coverage awareness, and enough special-teams value to remain a trusted part of the game-day plan. If he takes another step, the Eagles have another legitimate option behind Baun and Campbell.
Smael Mondon Jr.
Mondon is one of the more intriguing depth linebackers on the roster. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, the former Georgia defender brings athleticism and SEC experience to the room. His immediate path may come through special teams, but training camp will show whether he can push for defensive snaps.
For Mondon, the challenge is turning traits into trust. Backup linebackers must be assignment-sound, physical, and reliable enough to handle emergency snaps without compromising the defense's structure. If he checks those boxes, he can strengthen his roster case.
Chance Campbell
Chance Campbell gives Philadelphia a veteran depth option with size and experience. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, the former Mississippi linebacker is entering his fourth season and will need to make his mark through special teams, toughness and reliability.
The numbers game will be difficult, but players with special teams value always have a chance to stick. Campbell’s camp will come down to whether he can separate from the younger linebackers by being more consistent, more physical and more dependable in the kicking game.
Deontae Lawson
Lawson enters as a rookie out of Alabama, and his quickest route to relevance is special teams. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, he gives the Eagles another long, athletic linebacker with developmental upside.
The Eagles do not need every rookie linebacker to become an immediate defensive contributor. Still, Lawsonn can help himself by playing fast, tackling cleanly and showing he can handle coverage assignments without mental mistakes. Preseason games will matter because they will show whether his athleticism translates against NFL competition.
Biggest question
Can Jihaad Campbell become the clear answer next to Zack Baun?
That is the question that will define the group. Baun is locked in, but the Eagles need a second linebacker who can stay on the field, handle coverage responsibilities and give Fangio more flexibility. Campbell has the highest ceiling, but Trotter, Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson all have something to prove.
If Jihaad Campbell takes command of the role, Philadelphia’s linebacker room looks much more complete. If not, Fangio may have to rely on packages, rotations, and special-teams-driven roster decisions deep into August.
Roster outlook
Baun is locked in. Jihaad Campbell should enter camp with the clearest path to a major role. Trotter gives the Eagles a developmental player with system familiarity, while Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson are competing for depth spots, special-teams roles and practice-squad consideration.
The Eagles’ defense has star power up front and in the secondary, but the second level still needs answers. If Campbell makes the leap and Baun remains the stabilizing force, Philadelphia’s linebacker room could become one of the more underrated groups on the roster.
If not, the position may remain one of the team’s most important camp competitions. Ten titles
- Philadelphia Eagles 2026 training camp preview: Linebacker
- Eagles linebacker battle could define middle of defense
- Eagles enter camp with major LB2 question next to Zack Baun
- Eagles training camp preview: Linebacker competition heats up
- Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell headline Eagles linebacker room
- Eagles need clarity behind Zack Baun entering training camp
- Eagles linebacker room has talent, questions and young upside
- Eagles’ second-level depth will be tested during training camp
- Zack Baun leads Eagles linebacker group with key roles open
- Eagles camp could decide Jihaad Campbell’s Year 2 role
Best title
Philadelphia Eagles 2026 training camp preview: Linebacker
URL
eagles-2026-training-camp-preview-linebacker-zack-baun-jihaad-campbell
Description
Zack Baun anchors the Eagles’ linebacker room, but Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and several young players will battle for roles in camp.
Article
Zack Baun gives the Philadelphia Eagles a proven answer at linebacker.
Everything around him is where training camp becomes interesting.
The Eagles enter 2026 with Baun still serving as the tone-setter, leader and most reliable second-level defender in Vic Fangio’s defense. His physicality, processing and ability to function in multiple situations give Philadelphia stability at a position that has often required creativity. The Eagles do not have a question at LB1.
The question is who settles in next to him, how quickly Jihaad Campbell can take on a larger role, and which depth linebackers can force their way into the special teams and defensive plans.
Zack Baun
Baun remains the foundation of the linebacker room. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the 29-year-old veteran is entering his seventh NFL season and continues to be one of Philadelphia’s most important defensive players. His value goes beyond tackles. Baun gives the Eagles communication, physicality, range and the type of second-level reliability Fangio needs behind a talented defensive front.
The Eagles need Baun healthy, sharp and steady. If that happens, the rest of the linebacker room has a much cleaner path to sort itself out.
Jihaad Campbell
Campbell enters camp with the most important individual storyline in the group. The second-year linebacker has the size, athleticism and first-round talent to become a major piece of the defense. Still, his development depends on health, reps and how quickly he can handle a larger workload.
This is a pivotal summer for Campbell. The Eagles need him to show he can process quickly, fit the run cleanly, cover enough ground in space and stay on the field in multiple packages. If Campbell makes the jump, Philadelphia’s linebacker room becomes faster, more versatile and much more dangerous.
If he does not, the competition next to Baun remains open.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter gives the Eagles another young linebacker with familiarity in the system and a clear path to competing for snaps. Listed at 6-foot and 225 pounds, the former Clemson standout is entering his third season and should understand the speed, communication and physical requirements of the defense.
His camp is about proving he can be more than depth. Trotter must show consistency against the run, improved coverage awareness, and enough special-teams value to remain a trusted part of the game-day plan. If he takes another step, the Eagles have another legitimate option behind Baun and Campbell.
Smael Mondon Jr.
Mondon is one of the more intriguing depth linebackers on the roster. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, the former Georgia defender brings athleticism and SEC experience to the room. His immediate path may come through special teams, but training camp will show whether he can push for defensive snaps.
For Mondon, the challenge is turning traits into trust. Backup linebackers must be assignment-sound, physical and reliable enough to handle emergency snaps without compromising the structure of the defense. If he checks those boxes, he can strengthen his roster case.
Chance Campbell
Chance Campbell gives Philadelphia a veteran depth option with size and experience. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, the former Mississippi linebacker is entering his fourth season and will need to make his mark through special teams, toughness and reliability.
The numbers game will be difficult, but players with special teams value always have a chance to stick. Campbell’s camp will come down to whether he can separate from the younger linebackers by being more consistent, more physical and more dependable in the kicking game.
Deontae Lawson
Lawson enters as a rookie out of Alabama, and his quickest route to relevance is special teams. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, he gives the Eagles another long, athletic linebacker with developmental upside.
The Eagles do not need every rookie linebacker to become an immediate defensive contributor. Still, Lawson can help himself by playing fast, tackling cleanly and showing he can handle coverage assignments without mental mistakes. Preseason games will matter because they will show whether his athleticism translates against NFL competition.
Biggest question
Can Jihaad Campbell become the clear answer next to Zack Baun?
That is the question that will define the group. Baun is locked in, but the Eagles need a second linebacker who can stay on the field, handle coverage responsibilities and give Fangio more flexibility. Campbell has the highest ceiling, but Trotter, Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson all have something to prove.
If Jihaad Campbell takes command of the role, Philadelphia’s linebacker room looks much more complete. If not, Fangio may have to rely on packages, rotations, and special-teams-driven roster decisions deep into August.
Roster outlook
Baun is locked in. Jihaad Campbell should enter camp with the clearest path to a major role. Trotter gives the Eagles a developmental player with system familiarity, while Mondon, Chance Campbell and Lawson are competing for depth spots, special-teams roles and practice-squad consideration.
The Eagles’ defense has star power up front and in the secondary, but the second level still needs answers. If Campbell makes the leap and Baun remains the stabilizing force, Philadelphia’s linebacker room could become one of the more underrated groups on the roster.
If not, the position may remain one of the team’s most important camp competitions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Philadelphia Eagles 2026 training camp preview: Linebacker
Continue reading...
