Wide receiver Makai Lemon reportedly became the initial first-round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft class to sign his rookie contract.
NFL Network reported on Thursday that Lemon signed his four-year rookie deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lemon, the 20th overall pick of the draft out of Southern California, will receive just over $20.81 million in fully guaranteed money that includes an $11.5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option.
He received the Biletnikoff Award in 2025 as the nation’s top receiver, becoming just the second Trojan to win it after Marqise Lee in 2012.
Lemon finished with 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season with Southern California.
Lemon, 21, will be looked upon to contribute right away with star wideout A.J. Brown’s departure seemingly an inevitability. DeVonta Smith likely will assume the top spot among wideouts for the Eagles, who signed both Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore.
The Athletic reported that Lemon will wear jersey No. 9, last worn by Super Bowl LII MVP quarterback Nick Foles. Foles, who played for the Eagles from 2012-14 and 2017-18, gave Lemon his blessing to have the number.
–Field Level Media
