Report: Smael Mondon signs four-year, $4.595 million deal with Philadelphia Eagles

Former Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon became the first 2025 draft pick to sign his rookie contract on Friday, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Mondon, the Philadelphia Eagles’ fifth round selection, signed a four-year, $4.595 million deal.

Mondon, 22, was taken 161st overall after four productive seasons with the Bulldogs. He played in all 15 games as a reserve in 2021, helping Georgia win its first national championship since 1980. In 2022, Mondon started 13 games and recorded a team-high 76 tackles. He also had eight tackles for loss, one sack and an interception as the Bulldogs won their second consecutive national title.

During the 2023 season, Monday played in 13 games with 11 starts, registering 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and a pass break up. Last year, Mondon played in 10 games with eight starts and tallied 57 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and three PBUs. He missed four games due to a left leg injury.

“He’s explosive. He is really a fast mover, space is his friend,” said Howie Roseman, Eagles executive vice president/general manager. “We’ve talked a lot this weekend about this game, it’s really a speed game and he’s another guy who plays really well in space. Obviously, been coached exceptionally well. And it was a very easy pick for us at that time. He just stood out on the board.”

Eagles tap back into George pipeline, take Smael Mondon

The Eagles went heavy on defense, selecting a defensive player with each of their first five picks. They addressed the middle of the field twice, with Alabama‘s Jihaad Campbell coming off the board with the No. 31 overall pick. Philadelphia’s linebacker room now includes Mondon, Campbell, Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. The reigning Super Bowl champions have eight former Bulldogs on their roster.

“Mondon is physical and can run. He’s quick to flow downhill and challenge blocks with good pop,” Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote of Mondon ahead of the draft. “He’s inconsistent to diagnose and flow accurately to his fits, but he has good pursuit speed to range and tackle to the sidelines.

“He pursues the action with focus and leverage. Mondon becomes tackle-ready quickly in space. He’s effective on passing downs with good coverage and blitz talent. The run game instincts could slow him early in his career, but he’s a battle-tested, three-down option with special teams value and starting potential.”