Eagles newcomers ‘26: Can Makai Lemon be the next key weapon after A.J. Brown?
And veteran cornerback Shaun Wade hasn’t quite found his footing in the NFL yet, but could be a dark horse candidate to make the final roster.
With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.
Player: Makai Lemon
Position: WR
Age: 22
Previous experience: Lemon is Philadelphia’s promising new weapon. The Eagles selected the wide receiver from the University of Southern California when they traded up for the 20th pick of the NFL draft in April. Lemon was a fringe five-star recruit in 2022 and the third receiver taken in the draft. He was one of college football’s top receivers in 2025, which earned him some hardware as the second USC player ever to win the Biletnikoff Award for most outstanding receiver in college football. Last season, Lemon’s junior year, he caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Whether a 2026 draft choice, a veteran addition, or a rookie free-agent hopeful, we’re telling you more about each player’s potential role this season. We’re rolling out two players per day in a mostly unscientific order that balances offense and defense, bigger names with mysteries, and locks with longer shots to be chosen for the 53-man roster.
- QB Andy Dalton, DB Kapena Gushiken
- LB Arnold Ekibetie, OL Jaedan Roberts
- WR Elijah Moore, RB Dameon Pierce
- T Markel Bell, EDGE Joshua Weru
- G Michael Jordan, LS Rocco Underwood
- TE Eli Stowers, S Maximus Pulley
- LB Jonathan Greenard, T John Ojukwu
- TE Stone Smartt, LB Deontae Lawson
- TE Johnny Mundt, DE Ta'Quon Graham
Path to a roster spot: Lemon is a lock to make the Eagles roster. General manager Howie Roseman not only used a first-round pick on him, but he also traded up with the rival Cowboys in order to do so. DeVonta Smith will be the No. 1 wide receiver with A.J. Brown in New England, but Lemon will likely slot in as the No. 2 opposite. Boasting decent speed and a wide catch radius, Lemon can play slot and outside, which should make him a versatile weapon in Sean Mannion’s offense.
Fun fact: Lemon’s hobby outside of football is skateboarding. The 22-year-old started skateboarding at age 3, learning the activity from his uncle. In an interview on The Heisman podcast, Lemon said he used to skateboard all over Los Angeles.
Quotable: “They getting a dawg,” Lemon said shortly after the Eagles selected him. “It’s ready to work, for real. I ain’t doing no playing.”
Player: Shaun Wade
Position: CB
Age: 27
Previous experience: Wade is a veteran cornerback who hasn’t quite found his footing in the NFL yet. Once a promising prospect for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Wade was drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round (160th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft, but he never played a game for them. He has bounced around to four different teams since, spending time with the Patriots, Rams, Chargers, and Bears. He most recently played for the UFL’s Dallas Renegades, where he logged three interceptions in eight games this season.
» READ MORE: Philly traded one Brown for another: Jaylen Brown reveals he and former Eagle A.J. Brown are ‘cousins’
Path to a roster spot: Wade’s versatility makes him a dark-horse candidate to make the final roster. He has experience playing corner, nickel, safety, and special teams, which might be appealing to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He looks the part too, standing 6-foot-1, 191 pounds, and boasting NFL experience. It won’t be easy in such a crowded defensive backfield, but don’t be shocked if Wade somehow finds a spot.
Fun fact: Wade was a force at Ohio State, being selected to the All-Big Ten teams in 2019 and 2020 and being named an All-American in 2020.
Quotable: “Shaun was one of those guys that opted-out and came back in. Some guys went through some struggles, and you just watch how they competed,” said Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, who drafted Wade in Baltimore.