When a linebacker earns high praise from Seth Joyner - a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who built his reputation as one of the most instinctive and hard-hitting defenders in Eagles history - it’s worth paying attention. And right now, Joyner is all-in on Nakobe Dean.
Dean, the Eagles’ fourth-year linebacker, has been quietly - and now not-so-quietly - putting together a case as one of the most impactful defenders in the league. Known for his elite run-stopping ability and explosiveness as a blitzer, Dean is anchoring a defense that’s starting to look a lot like the dominant units Philly fans are used to seeing.
“Nakobe Dean, he’s a godsend for this team,” Joyner said during a Monday morning appearance on 94.1 WIP. “As good as Jihaad Campbell is - and he’s going to be really good - Nakobe’s understanding of where he needs to be and what he needs to do, that’s what sets him apart.”
Joyner isn’t just handing out compliments for the sake of it. Dean’s impact has been tangible.
In Sunday’s 31-0 dismantling of the Raiders, Dean racked up eight tackles, including two for loss, as the Eagles’ defense held Las Vegas to just 75 total yards - the lowest single-game total Philly has allowed since 1955. That’s not just a good day at the office; that’s historic.
Since returning to the starting lineup in Week 7 after recovering from last season’s knee injury, Dean has looked every bit like the player the Eagles hoped he’d become. In his seven starts since coming back, he’s totaled 53 tackles and four sacks. He’s playing fast, diagnosing plays quickly, and flying to the football like he’s got the offensive playbook in his helmet.
That kind of production has forced the Eagles to make a tough call - and they didn’t hesitate. Despite Jihaad Campbell showing real promise early in the season, the rookie has been moved to the bench to make room for Dean. It’s not a knock on Campbell; it’s a testament to just how good Dean has been.
And while the Eagles are reaping the benefits now, they’ll have a major decision to make in the offseason. Dean is set to hit free agency, and given his current level of play, he’ll be one of the most sought-after defensive players on the market. With Campbell waiting in the wings, some might wonder if the Eagles would consider letting Dean walk.
Joyner doesn’t think that would be wise.
“He’ll be back,” Joyner said. “They play different positions.
What people don’t understand is, if you watch how the Eagles operate, they’re always buying an insurance policy. Jihaad Campbell was more of an insurance policy than anything else.”
It’s a fair point - and a smart one. The Eagles have long valued depth at key positions, especially on defense.
Drafting Campbell wasn’t necessarily about replacing Dean; it was about protecting themselves in case Dean didn’t bounce back from injury. But now that he has, and is thriving, the conversation shifts from “what if” to “how do we keep him?”
Dean’s blend of football IQ, physicality, and leadership is rare - and it’s showing up every Sunday. If the Eagles are serious about keeping their defense among the league’s elite, keeping Nakobe Dean in midnight green might be one of the most important moves they make this offseason.