Nakobe Dean's Replacement Named Eagles' Breakout Candidate

The Philadelphia Eagles think so highly of Jihaad Campbell, they were willing to let Nakobe Dean leave after four solid seasons.

Still, Campbell is a relative unknown, which is why he was named the Eagles' breakout player to watch for the 2026 season by The Athletic.

Campbell started 10 of his 17 games in his rookie season, amassing 80 tackles, 44 solo tackles, an interception and one fumble recovery. He played 63% of the Eagles' defensive snaps and played well enough to allow GM Howie Roseman to let Dean leave in free agency.

Dean signed a three-year, $36 million contract this offseason with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jihaad Campbell Named Eagles' Breakout Player in 2026

The Eagles spent the 31st overall pick in 2025 on Campbell, which means Roseman likely planned to use him as the successor to Dean. His pedigree from Alabama and physical skills are undeniable.

"Campbell’s hard-to-find physical tools stand out in the middle of the defense, where his 6-3, 235-pound frame and 4.52-second 40-yard dash offer a different flavor than Dean," The Athletic's Zach Berman wrote Monday. "Campbell has the length and range to be a force in coverage, and the Eagles think there’s a burgeoning pass-rush skill set."

Campbell had an outstanding season, superior to that of Dean's according to Pro-Football Focus. Campbell's PFF grade (76.2, No. 14 of 88 qualifiers) was better than Dean's (61.7, No. 41) in 2025 while also playing more snaps (710) than the now-former Philadelphia middle linebacker.

Still, Dean is gone, which means Campbell will need to prove he can be a starter in the league without a safety net.

"The defense was clearly better with Dean on the field," Berman wrote. "With a full year in the scheme and adjusting to the NFL, Campbell could make strides in Year 2 next to Zack Baun."

A Shoulder Injury Further Complicates Jihaad Campbell's Second Season

The offseason is a time for players to rest and recuperate and get their mind right for a new season.

Campbell took advantage by having shoulder surgery that cost him both OTAs and minicamp. That took him off the field for valuable learning time, though presumably he still picked up things through meetings and film.

Fortunately, unlike the other side of the ball, which is learning a whole new offense under first-time NFL offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, Vic Fangio's scheme will be unchanged in his third year as Eagles defensive coordinator. 

The Eagles defense is loaded, with elite D-linemen, EDGE rushers and secondary players. But if Campbell's shoulder injury flares up and/or can't adequately replace Dean, things could quickly go sideways in Philadelphia this year.