With training camp closing in, the Eagles may be looking at a linebacker move that would instantly sharpen the competition at the bottom of the roster.
Philadelphia brought linebacker Chandler Martin in for a visit, and it’s the kind of check-in that can mean a lot this time of year. Martin already spent about a month with the Eagles during the offseason before being released, then landed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he worked mostly on special teams.
The timing matters because Martin’s path back isn’t just about familiarity. He’s also coming off a torn ACL from last season, and Sports Illustrated Eagles reporter John McMullen suggested on X that the Eagles could simply be getting a look at how his rehab is progressing. In three games with Baltimore last season, Martin recorded five tackles.
If the Eagles decide to bring him back for camp, the ripple effect is easy to see. Martin would be in direct competition with undrafted rookie Deontae Lawson for a spot at linebacker, and that would make the battle a lot more interesting.
Lawson has been one of the most talked-about undrafted players on the roster over the last two months, with many pointing to him as the UDFA with the best chance to make the team. He played alongside Jihaad Campbell at Alabama and put together a strong final season there, finishing with 80 tackles, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks.
Martin would bring a different case to the table. He has the edge of having already shown he can contribute on special teams, while Lawson would be trying to keep his momentum going as a rookie. At the same time, Martin’s health could work in his favor if the Eagles believe he’s further along in his recovery.
That’s what makes this visit worth watching. It could be nothing more than due diligence, or it could be the first sign that Philadelphia wants a real fight for that linebacker job. For now, it’s up to Howie Roseman to decide whether Martin gets another shot.
In Other News...
Cooper DeJean Had The Perfect Reaction To Phillys Stunning New Arrival
Cooper DeJean did not hide his excitement when word spread around Philadelphia about a blockbuster arrival that instantly changed the citys basketball conversation. The Eagles cornerback has already become one of the more intriguing young defenders on the roster, and his reaction fit the kind of cross-sport buzz that tends to follow any major move in Philly, especially one that has fans talking about what comes next.
For DeJean, the timing also lands as his role with the Eagles continues to evolve. Vic Fangio and analyst Chase Senior have discussed ways to get him on the field even more by mixing in work at safety and slot cornerback, a usage plan that would only increase his value to the defense. If DeJean is already this energized by what happened on the basketball side, the Eagles will be hoping that same energy carries over once the football season gets rolling. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Suddenly Face A Tough Young Pass Rusher Decision
A preseason injury in Carolina has already nudged the edge-rusher market, and it could create a ripple effect for Philadelphia as teams look for help before the regular season gets rolling. The Panthers are suddenly dealing with a major setback on the outside, which is why the Eagles are being mentioned in the same breath as a possible answer if Carolina decides it needs to add another young pass rusher.
For Philadelphia, the conversation is less about a confirmed move than about how much value it places on a young edge defender who has shown enough to draw outside interest. The Eagles have a decision to make with a player on a manageable contract and a profile that could appeal to a team trying to patch a hole quickly, but any deal would have to make sense for a front office that usually does not give away useful pass rush depth without a strong return. [Read more 🡒]
Lane Johnson Just Got A Major NFL Verdict Despite Lingering Concerns
Lane Johnsons standing around the league remains as strong as ever, even with the kind of late-season injury that usually invites a little more skepticism. FanSideds writers placed the Eagles right tackle ninth on their list of the top 50 NFL players entering the 2026 season, a reminder that his reputation is still built on years of elite play, not just name value.
Johnsons rsum already speaks for itself with six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro nods and two Super Bowl rings, and he was still performing at a high level before his 2025 season was cut short. The bigger question for Philadelphia is how much more he has left in the tank, especially after a foot issue interrupted what had been another dominant stretch up front. Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean also made the list, landing at 23rd and 42nd, respectively. [Read more 🡒]