With training camp on the horizon, the Eagles are facing uncertainty at linebacker as injuries threaten to thin their depth.
Third-year linebacker Nakobe Dean remains sidelined after tearing his patellar tendon during the Eagles’ wild-card win over Green Bay. While Dean is moving along in his rehab, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters in June that he “won’t be back for a while.”
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Meanwhile, rookie first-round pick Jihaad Campbell is recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum and isn’t expected to return until at least August.
“The biggest goal is to get back, get back healthy,” Campbell said. “Making sure I’m strong and have a good mentality going into camp.”
In the absence of both players, All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun has been anchoring the middle of Fangio’s defense. During OTAs, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. received first-team reps alongside Baun, signaling the team’s interest in evaluating him as a potential starter. Trotter’s performance could determine whether the Eagles stand pat or explore veteran options.
One intriguing player remains unsigned: former Eagle Kyzir White. Named one of ESPN’s top remaining free agents, White played a key role on the Eagles’ 2022 NFC Championship team before signing a two-year deal with Arizona. He started all 17 games for the Cardinals last season and finished 15th in the league with 137 total tackles.
Although a reunion in Philadelphia is plausible, it’s unclear whether White, 29, would accept a rotational role when Dean and Campbell get healthy. Given his production, White may prefer to wait until training camps begin leaguewide and see if a starting job becomes available.
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Across his seven-year career, White has recorded 615 tackles, 23 pass breakups, 7.5 sacks, and six interceptions. If his market remains quiet, White would be a valuable piece for a team looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles could reunite with LB Kyzir White if injuries persist