The Philadelphia Eagles made a point of noting the lack of snaps for rookie Jihaad Campbell in Black Friday's loss to the Chicago Bears. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio made it clear that Campbell's playing zero defensive snaps was something that the franchise would look at and do its best to alter in the season's final weeks. Monday night's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers was a similar story, with Campbell only on the field for nine snaps and making it clear that the Eagles have moved in a different direction for the rest of the 2025 season.
Campbell played 11 special teams snaps and did manage to make an impact during his defensive snaps as well. Drawing a holding call was a clear highlight, one that would be wiped out by Campbell's lack of hustle on a fumble that would help swing the game in favor of the Chargers. It is a moment that will unquestionably show up on tape and earn negative attention from the Philly coaching staff.
With this in mind, it seems clear that Campbell doesn't have the trust of Fangio and, barring injury, will be used in a very limited capacity down the stretch of the 2025 season. Still, this is far from a defining answer for Campbell, with the upcoming offseason presenting a clear opportunity for the defender to step into a new role.
Eagles Appear Content for Jihaad Campbell to Spend the Rest of His Rookie Season in Reserve Role
Nakobe Dean is set to hit free agency at the end of the 2025 season, and it seems probable that the two sides will part ways. Dean has been solid but is far from irreplaceable, leading Philly likely to turn to Campbell as the cheaper long-term answer. There is still a path for the defender to relevance as a starter, it simply seems that it is going to require a quiet rookie season.
Because the Eagles are in a difficult playoff race and have dropped three straight, it is understandable to circle the wagons a bit. The failure to attack the fumble speaks to a rookie mentality that Philly simply cannot afford to have on the field if they can help it.
Putting Campbell into a reserve role, playing sparing snaps, makes sense and helps prepare the linebacker for the season to come. As frustrating as it might be for Campbell and Philly fans, putting the defender in a lesser role is the right decision in the season's final games.
The Eagles simply have zero margin for error and need to focus on keeping the most experienced pieces on the field. No question, Campbell still plays a huge role in Philadelphia's future, even if his rookie season has been a clear disappointment.