Eagles Bring Back Temple Alum Arnold Ebiketie on One-Year Deal

The pass rusher returns to Broad Street after two seasons with the Falcons.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:05pm

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The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a one-year, $7.3 million contract with former Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie, who played college football at Temple and Penn State. Ebiketie, 27, is expected to provide depth and rotational pass-rushing support for the Eagles' defensive front.

Why it matters

The Eagles have been active in pursuing top pass rushers in recent years, but were unable to land marquee names like Myles Garrett or Trey Hendrickson. Ebiketie, a former second-round pick, represents a lower-cost swing at a player with upside who can contribute to the team's defensive line rotation.

The details

Ebiketie, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound edge rusher, recorded 12 sacks over the past two seasons with the Falcons. He'll join a defensive front that includes Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and potentially the return of franchise legend Brandon Graham. The Eagles are hoping Ebiketie can unlock his natural gifts with an improved supporting cast around him.

  • Ebiketie agreed to terms with the Eagles on March 13, 2026.
  • Ebiketie played college football at Temple from 2018-2019 before transferring to Penn State for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The players

Arnold Ebiketie

A 27-year-old outside linebacker who spent the past two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after being a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Nolan Smith

A young edge rusher for the Eagles who is expected to be part of the team's defensive line rotation.

Jalyx Hunt

Another edge rusher who will contribute to the Eagles' defensive line depth.

Brandon Graham

A longtime Eagles defensive end and franchise legend who has indicated a desire to return to the team.

Howie Roseman

The aggressive general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles who has been active in pursuing top pass rushers in recent years.

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What’s next

The Eagles will continue to monitor the free agent and draft markets to further bolster their defensive line, with the potential return of Brandon Graham still a possibility after the draft.

The takeaway

The Eagles are taking a low-cost flyer on a player with upside in Ebiketie, hoping that he can unlock his potential as part of an improved supporting cast on the defensive line. While he may not be a marquee name, Ebiketie's homecoming to Philadelphia represents a savvy depth addition for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.