Makai Lemon, Eagles get head start on rookie contract in Philly

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up with the Dallas Cowboys to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving up two first-round picks to move from 23 to 20 and signaling strong confidence in Lemon’s potential as an offensive weapon. Lemon signed his four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract ahead of rookie minicamp, including an $11.5 million signing bonus, making him the first first-rounder to sign his rookie deal this year.

Lemon’s impactful college production—79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season at USC—adds immediate depth to a receiving corps the Eagles are reshaping after potential post-June 1 trades involving A.J. Brown. The team has already added Hollywood Brown and acquired Dontayvion Wicks in the offseason, positioning Lemon to compete for targets early in his NFL career.

Key highlights
– Eagles move up to pick Makai Lemon at No. 20, surrendering two first-round selections.
– Lemon signs a four-year, fully guaranteed contract with an $11.5 million signing bonus.
– Rookie minicamp set for May 1–2 at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.
– Lemon joins a retooled Eagles receiving corps ahead of a potential post-June 1 roster shakeup involving A.J. Brown.