Eagles Sign Pass Rusher with 16.5 Career Sacks to $7.3 Million Contract

Arnold Ebiketie joins Philadelphia's defense after 4 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:20pm

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The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free-agent linebacker Arnold Ebiketie to a one-year contract worth up to $7.3 million, including $4.3 million guaranteed. Ebiketie, 27, spent the last 4 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded 16.5 sacks and 80 solo tackles over 67 games. He will provide rotational support to the Eagles' pass rush alongside Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.

Why it matters

The Eagles' defense lacked a true pass-rushing threat last season, with no defender exceeding 7 sacks. Ebiketie's addition provides a proven edge rusher who can help bolster the team's pass rush and improve their defensive production.

The details

Ebiketie was selected by the Falcons in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft after playing at Penn State and Temple. Over his 4 NFL seasons, he had 80 solo tackles, 49 assists, 16.5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery in 67 games, including 12 starts. His production jumped in 2023 and 2024, with 6 sacks and 12 quarterback hits in each season, before dipping slightly in 2025 due to being part of a larger rotation.

  • Ebiketie signed his 1-year contract with the Eagles on March 13, 2026.
  • He spent the previous 4 seasons (2022-2025) with the Atlanta Falcons.

The players

Arnold Ebiketie

A 27-year-old linebacker who spent the last 4 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, recording 16.5 sacks and 80 solo tackles over 67 games.

Nolan Smith

A defensive player for the Philadelphia Eagles who will provide rotational support alongside Ebiketie.

Jalyx Hunt

A defensive player for the Philadelphia Eagles who will provide rotational support alongside Ebiketie.

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What they’re saying

“We must add more pass rushing talent to our defense, and Arnold Ebiketie fits that need perfectly.”

— Howie Roseman, Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Philadelphia Eagles

What’s next

Ebiketie will join the Eagles' offseason program and begin integrating into their defensive scheme, with the goal of improving the team's pass rush ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Eagles' signing of Arnold Ebiketie is a strategic move to bolster their pass rush and address a key weakness on their defense from the previous season. Ebiketie's proven production as a pass rusher, combined with his ability to provide rotational support, makes him a valuable addition to the team's defensive unit.