Eagles' Ebiketie Excited to Join Philly's Dominant Defense

Rookie linebacker looks forward to learning from veteran teammates and competing against the best offensive linemen in the NFL.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arnold Ebiketie, the Philadelphia Eagles' new outside linebacker, is thrilled to join the team's strong defense and play in a city he knows well from his time at Temple University. Ebiketie discussed his excitement about the Eagles' championship culture, the opportunity to learn from veteran players like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, and his goal of becoming a complete, well-rounded player.

Why it matters

The Eagles' defense was one of the best in the NFL last season, and adding a talented young player like Ebiketie could further bolster their unit. Ebiketie's eagerness to learn and improve his all-around game aligns with the team's focus on developing well-rounded players who can excel in all facets of the game.

The details

Ebiketie, who spent his first NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons, signed a one-year contract with the Eagles and is excited to join a defensive line that includes standouts like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith. He believes the mental aspect of the game is what truly separates players at the NFL level, and he's looking forward to the challenge of competing against the Eagles' talented offensive linemen in practice every day.

  • Ebiketie signed with the Eagles on Monday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Arnold Ebiketie

A 24-year-old outside linebacker who spent his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons and is now joining the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year contract.

Lane Johnson

The Eagles' veteran offensive tackle, who Ebiketie is looking forward to competing against in practice to help improve his own game.

Jordan Mailata

Another standout offensive lineman for the Eagles, who Ebiketie believes will provide valuable learning opportunities.

Jordan Davis

A talented defensive lineman for the Eagles, part of the group that Ebiketie is excited to play alongside and learn from.

Jalen Carter

A promising young defensive lineman for the Eagles, who Ebiketie is eager to compete with and learn from.

Nolan Smith

A rookie defensive player for the Eagles, who Ebiketie sees as part of a competitive group that will bring out the best in him.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When you come to an organization that has had so much success over the years and you walk the building and you see what's on the walls and you see the players and coaches holding the Lombardi Trophy, you look at it and you can't help but visualize what that would be like for you. It was exciting. That is the word that I would use.”

— Arnold Ebiketie (Philadelphia Eagles)

“I'm pumped. I mean, I'm pumped. I'm pumped, I'm excited, and I know that having that opportunity and learning from them, it's going to make me a better player. This is an extremely competitive group. It's that way with the entire organization. I want to see what it's like to be a winner and to have the best brought out in me.”

— Arnold Ebiketie (Philadelphia Eagles)

“The fans in this City and the Eagles, it goes hand in hand. Everything is about the Eagles. I saw that at Temple. Everything matters to them. I'm here and I know it's fast-paced and very, very important. This is a championship culture. That is the standard here. I embrace that. I want that and I know it's going to help bring out the best in me.”

— Arnold Ebiketie (Philadelphia Eagles)

What’s next

Ebiketie will continue to integrate with his new teammates and coaches during the Eagles' offseason program, with the goal of becoming a key contributor to the team's defense in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The addition of Arnold Ebiketie to the Eagles' already-stacked defense is an exciting prospect for the team and its fans. Ebiketie's eagerness to learn and compete against the best players in the league aligns perfectly with the Eagles' championship culture, and he could be poised for a breakout season as part of this talented defensive unit.