Natalie Dean’s future in Philadelphia is in question as 2025 looms. After injuries and a delayed return from PUP, the Eagles’ linebacking corps faces a pivotal year, with Dean’s extension prospects murky amid a trio of cheaper, younger options. Campbell, Trotter Jr., and Mongon have earned opportunities, while Zack Baun remains a stalwart. Fantasy managers should watch Week 5 return timing and how the depth chart shifts behind an evolving defensive scheme.

The piece highlights roster economics and the cost/benefit calculus of keeping Dean versus developing a budget-friendly youth movement. If Dean doesn’t secure an extension, Philadelphia could lean into Campbell, Mongon, and Trotter Jr. as long-term answers, affecting Dynasty and IDP value beyond 2025.

Eagles should resist veteran signings after rosters are set. Isaiah Simmons’ release by Green Bay suggests caution with aging names; Philly should prioritize internal depth over high-priced reclamations. The path to pressure is through development, not nostalgia.

The LB corps—Nakobe Dean, Smael Mondon, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell—offers youth and upside, with Dean aiming for action by Week 5. Patrick Johnson’s release reinforces a depth-first approach. Rumors of Gilmore or Clowney are noted, but Travon Walker from Jacksonville stands out as a potential, long-term edge option rather than a quick fix.

Bottom line: avoid big-name past-prime deals; lean into the current group and smart, cost-effective additions that preserve chemistry and ceiling for fantasy value.

Chance Campbell’s path from Titans sixth-round pick to a Philadelphia Eagles roster-bubble player is a compelling fantasy-footprint case. The Eagles’ LB room is crowded, with Nakobe Dean on PUP and lock-ins like Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Smael Mondon, leaving the former Titan fighting for a role on special teams and situational packages. Preseason opportunities will be the fulcrum of his value, and any stumble by the veterans could briefly open a door for depth-chart snaps and fantasy points in leagues that chase depth players with defined roles.

Campbell’s college arc is notable: Maryland and Ole Miss veteran who led Ole Miss in tackles (110) in 2021, with four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, illustrating a playmaking nose for the ball. He also has lacrosse and finance-cleared background, underscoring athleticism and smarts. In pro terms, knee injury sidelined his rookie season; four NFL games and three tackles on defense plus meaningful special-teams reps show why coaches kept him around. In dynasty formats, Campbell is a post-type sleeper—the kind of upside stash that could prosper if depth injuries occur or if the Eagles reshape packages around versatile linebackers.

Eagles training camp centers six early position battles as Philadelphia builds toward 2025, following a 34-27 preseason win that saw key starters rested. The six dramas span backfield, receiver depth, and a reshaped secondary and front seven, with rookies and free agents pushing for starting roles while already-formed pieces vie for clear roles. The club has added ten rookies and several free agents to sharpen competition, and two joint practices with the Browns punctuate a week that should clarify competition lines before the next exhibition.

In the backfield, Barkley’s workload is under consideration, with Shipley and Dillon providing potential relief as the offense gears up for a lighter carry load. At 3rd WR, Dotson faces Johnny Wilson and Darius Cooper, a trio that could redefine the third option opposite Brown and Smith. Up front, Steen and Jurgens jockey for the right guard job, with Green also sprinkled into reps as a versatile piece. Heavier competition lands at inside linebacker, where Baun anchors the run game while Nakobe Dean recovers, leaving Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Smael Mondon Jr. to press for snaps.