Philadelphia Eagles | Player Development

A Winning Culture

In 2024, the Eagles won their 2nd Super Bowl after advancing to the playoffs for a fourth straight season and 19th time overall under Jeffrey Lurie’s ownership (dating back to 1994). Since 2000, the Eagles are tied for the 3rd-most postseason appearances (17) in the league.

The Eagles reached the playoffs in six of the last eight seasons (2017-19, ’21-24) and are one of only 4 teams in the 21st century to play in three or more Super Bowls in an eight-year span.

Nick Sirianni is the first head coach in franchise history to earn trips to the postseason in each of his first four years with the team, and he owns the 3rd highest career winning percentage (.706) in the Super Bowl era.

Since being hired in 2000, Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman has cemented himself as one of the top executives in the NFL. The two-time NFL Executive of the Year has overseen 17 playoff berths, 20 playoff victories, 11 NFC East crowns and 2 Super Bowl victories.

Numbers Don’t Lie – For Undrafted Free Agents Eagles 1st or 2nd Place Ranks

$321K
Rookie Season Earnings
Average rookie season earnings over the last three seasons (more than 1.5x the league average and 20% higher than the 2nd ranked team)

4.7
Games Dressed
Average rookie season games on the 48-man active roster over the last three seasons (one full game more than the 2nd ranked team).

50%
Under Contract
Half of our UDFAs signed over the last three seasons are currently on a 90-man roster (one of only three teams at 50% or better).

Signing with the Eagles gives you the best chance at making money, playing in games and establishing a career.

I want to be in Philly. I want to play for Philly. I love how the fans cheer for us and how they critique us. I love playing here. I want to play here for as long as I can.

- Reed Blankenship
Safety

They do a great job of developing the practice squad guys in terms of actually giving them pointers about, 'All right, we've looked through all of your film this week against the ones (starters). What can you do better? Your body leverage, a little bit high here. That's why your power rush isn't working as well. Hand use isn't there, maybe your recognition of the set isn't as quick as it should be.' All of that stuff is drilling in, which I thought kind of gave me an idea of where I was as a player and where I could improve.

- Thomas Booker IV
Defensive Tackle

Why The Eagles?

The Eagles have a unique Player Development Program, a coordinated effort by dedicated full-time Football Operations employees to help players not yet contributing on Sundays to improve as quickly as possible.

How?

1. Extra on-field work BEFORE and AFTER practice
2. Individualized and tailored programs from the performance staff
3. Extra scheduled meeting time with assistant position coaches
4. Review of EVERY practice rep with technical assessments and grades

The standard we upheld and the way we showed up for each other every single day, that’s what made this past season the most fun I’ve ever had playing football, and it was all because of the guys in that locker room.

- Mekhi Becton
Guard

I've loved this season and enjoyed the year more than anything on and off the field. I'm here to do whatever I can to help the team win football games. I love the coaching staff, the guys in the locker room, the organization, the fans. Everything has been just right for me. It's been amazing.

- Zack Baun
Linebacker

Notable Success Stories

Reed Blankenship

Safety

After signing the second-lowest signing bonus of the 2022 Eagles UDFA class, Blankenship worked his way onto the roster, playing 13 games, including playoffs, and became the first rookie free agent to intercept future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers. Over the 2023-2024 seasons, he started 30 games with 7 interceptions and 186 tackles while signing a contract extension through the 2025 season and earning the second-highest performance-based pay amount in the league for the 2023 season.

Isaiah Rodgers

Cornerback

After starting 10 games over his first 3 seasons as a 6th round pick of the Colts, Rodgers was waived as a result of a season-long suspension under the league’s gambling policy. The Eagles signed him during his suspension, providing an opportunity for a second chance upon his return to the NFL. Rodgers capitalized on that opportunity as the team’s top backup cornerback, playing more than 30% in both the regular season and postseason while accumulating 7 passes defended and recovering a key fumble in the Divisional Round matchup versus the Rams. This big-game platform helped enable him to sign a two-year contract worth up to $15M with the Minnesota Vikings during the 2025 offseason.

T.J. Edwards

Linebacker

Signed as a rookie free agent in 2019, Edwards emerged as a starter and team leader. During his Eagles tenure, he appeared in 61 games, making 47 starts with 370 total tackles (206 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 13 passes defensed, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. During the 2023 offseason, Edwards cashed in on his strong play by signing a three-year deal worth $19.5 million, $12.025 guaranteed, with his hometown team, the Chicago Bears.

Grant Calcaterra

Tight-End

A sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Calcaterra earned a spot on the active roster as a rookie and played in 15 games for the NFC Champions. In 2024, Calcaterra became an integral part of one of the league's top-ranked offenses, filling in as a starter for several games due to injury. "Grant has been everything we expected as a draft pick when we took him a couple years ago and then some," Head Coach Nick Sirianni said.

Eli Ricks

Cornerback

Known as “Pick-6 Ricks” in college, Ricks made his presence known to Eagles fans when he took an interception to the house in his first preseason game. As an undrafted rookie in 2023, Ricks was active for 16 of the team’s 17 contests and made the active roster for the 2024 season.

Ben VanSumeren

Linebacker

After leading the NFL in tackles (26) during preseason, VanSumeren signed to the Eagles’ practice squad. Touted by coaches and teammates as one of the hardest-working players, the linebacker was signed to the active roster in Week 13 of the 2023 season and made the active roster for the 2024 season.

Tristin McCollum

Safety

The Eagles signed McCollum to a future/reserve deal in 2023 and allowed him to develop on the practice squad all season, while playing in three games. In 2024, McCollum made the active roster out of Training Camp and has been a core special teams player and key reserve on defense. "Tristin is a guy that I think has good talent, good ability to play the position. I think he can be a good safety," Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio said.

Mojo Ojomo

Defensive Tackle

The Eagles' core philosophy is to fortify the lines of scrimmage, so it's no surprise that they took a chance on Ojomo in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He earned a spot on the active roster as a rookie out of Training Camp and has developed into a key reserve with pass-rush ability.

Darian Kinnard

Offensive Lineman

A former fifth-round pick of the Chiefs, the Eagles saw potential for Kinnard to play both tackle and guard. He accelerated up the depth chart during Training Camp and earned a spot on the active roster. The Eagles utilize him as a versatile depth piece who is able to provide the first-team defense quality looks on the scout team during the week.

Our Coaches Take Pride in Developing Players

"I think, in a coach, overall, that's something you want. Someone who cares about you and you really feel it because he will never lie to your face. He will tell you your weaknesses, but he will also tell you where your strengths are and develop you."

– Jordan Mailata on Jeff Stoutland

"Coach Jeff Stoutland, thank you, From Day One you believed in me, even before I fully believed in myself, you saw something in me, challenged me and pushed me to reach a level I never knew I had. You made me a better player but more importantly, a better man."

– Mekhi Becton on Jeff Stoutland

Since 2019, the Eagles have signed 8 different OL as futures or undrafted free agents who, with the help of our Development Program and OL Coach Jeff Stoutland, have spent at least 4 games on an active roster in the season of signing.

Since 2016, 17 different futures signings have spent 5+ games on our active roster.

My whole goal is to retire an Eagle. That's what I'm going to do. I'm just excited to be here, be as fortunate as I am to be with one team for as long as I have. I love this game and, more importantly, I love the people and the coaches that I'm with every day and that's why I love the game so much.

- Lane Johnson
Offensive Line

I think it was just mutual, the love I have for the organization. I want to be here for a very long time and the same thing that they feel for me, obviously it shows. I'm just thankful. Obviously, for the extension, but being part of this organization. From top to bottom, they do it the right way, everybody in this building. So, to be able to be part of this for another four years I think it is and hopefully more – I'm super excited about that.

- Saquon Barkley
Running Back

Best-Run Franchise in the NFL?

In a survey of NFL agents conducted by The Athletic, the Eagles ranked tied for first for the best-run franchise.

Eagles

49ERS

Chiefs

Packers

Vikings

Steelers

Ravens

Dolphins

Texans

Rams

Lions

Falcons

Colts

Bills

"This is easy, Eagles. What an organized group with football and front-office business. Every year, they are on top of their game."

"Every year, free agents want to go there. They reward players and Howie nails the draft."

Will You Be The Next Success Story?

Zack Baun

Linebacker

💰 Signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension with $34 million guaranteed.

- Switched positions upon signing for $3.5M as a 2024 UFA after playing in a backup role for 4 seasons with the Saints.

- Named a finalist for the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in his first season as an off-ball linebacker.

- In 2024, Baun was named a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career.

- Finished the 2024 regular season as the highest-graded linebacker by Pro Football Focus.

- Chosen as a 1st Team All-Pro by the Associated Press.

- Recorded 150 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in the regular season and 2 interceptions in the postseason.

Jordan Mailata

Offensive Tackle

💰 Long-term contract extension with $48 million guaranteed in 2024

- Drafted in the 7th round in 2018 despite never having played a snap of football.

- Participated in the Eagles' Development Program for two years while he was essentially redshirted.

- The Eagles took the time – and had the commitment and patience – to build him from the ground up.

- Became a starter in 2020 and earned contract extensions in 2021 and 2024 after becoming the franchise’s left tackle.

- Named a 2nd Team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the 2024 season.

Letter from Coach

As you think about the ideal place for your NFL career, there are really two questions you need to answer to be able to make the best decision for you and your family:

1. Which team has the clearest vision for utilizing my skills?
2. Which team has the best people, processes, and culture in place to help me maximize my potential?

While my staff and I believe the Eagles are the answer to both questions, I want to touch on our core values with the Eagles and how they pertain to your development:

Connect

- We believe it’s crucial that we connect
- When there is adversity, the closest teams thrive
- Player to coach, player to player, and coach to coach
- Getting to know you, what makes you tick, and how you learn most efficiently will help us maximize your potential
- Connecting player to player will allow you to utilize and learn from the experiences of veteran players
- Our strength staff will utilize the best technology to help optimize your performance and health (body composition, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and mental health)

Compete

- We believe competition breeds success
- In a league where every game feels like it’s decided by a single play, those who embrace competition daily will thrive when it matters most
- We practice competing just like we practice plays
- You will be asked to compete in all that you do, it will become part of who WE are

Accountability

- Holding you to a standard is something we do for you - not to you
- Demanding that WE all maintain a standard of excellence in OUR work will allow US to grow daily

Football IQ

- The simpler the system, the easier to learn, master, and execute
- Our systems allow players to play early and focus ample time on fundamentals
- Every meeting/practice, you will be taught and tested on football situations
- Smarter players last longer and make more money in the NFL
- We will utilize creativity in designing meetings and walkthroughs to raise your football IQ to the next level

Fundamentals

- Talent margins in this league are razor thin and players that are fundamentally sound have significant advantages
- Our coaches will invest in your fundamental routine and development so that you can win your one-on-one matchups

During our first four seasons, we have laid a cultural foundation that has resulted in undeniable success. Although our Core Values will remain unchanged, we continually look for opportunities to grow and evolve. I know these principles can help you in your climb to become the best version of yourself. I look forward to connecting with you further and continuing to show you why we believe Philadelphia is the best fit for you.

Our Facilities

Eagles Everywhere

We have millions of passionate Eagles fans across the world who support us every week. The Eagles have sold out every home game since Lincoln Financial Field first opened in 2003. Not only do our avid fans support us at home, but they travel with us on the road.

“I know how passionate they are, how much excitement they have, and how knowledgeable they are on the game of football,” Nick Sirianni said. “It’s awesome having them. When you have a home game, it makes a huge, huge difference. It feels like some places we go, if not all places we go, we have a big difference of how many fans that we have at away games. I get it; it’s something that’s passed down from each family member. It’s an electric place, it’s an electric stadium, and it’s an electric fan base. If you are not passionate and you’re an Eagles fan, I don’t know if you truly are an Eagles fan. I just love how much energy our fans bring our team during a game, that’s home and away games.”

Also, the Eagles are one of the most nationally televised teams in the NFL, and Philadelphia is the 4th largest television market in the country.

I'll tell you right now, when I got drafted here, everybody said it was impossible to play in Philly. I found out that all y'all want is for us to give everything we can for this city and you'll give it right back! I can't tell you how much we appreciate you guys every f–––ing game, every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, it doesn't matter. I don't think I've played a f–––ing away game my entire career.

- Landon Dickerson
Offensive Line

I didn't know how much I would grow and I surely didn't know how deeply I would fall in love with these fans and the team and this city… And I'm reflecting on a career that has meant everything to me. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. My life, my entire life has been forever changed because of this magical place.

- Brandon Graham
Defensive End