This Undrafted Free Agent is 'Worth Monitoring' for Eagles

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This Undrafted Free Agent is 'Worth Monitoring' for Eagles

Pat Pickens

Thu, Jul 23, 2026 ·

2 min read

Deontae Lawson Could Make the Eagles Despite Being Undrafted

Lawson has just $10,000 in guaranteed money coming to him, the second-lowest of any Eagles player who signed after the draft. But Bleacher Report still tagged him as the UDFA to make the Eagles .

Part of that prediction is due to Lawson's draft pedigree. He played five seasons at Alabama, three under Nick Saban and two years with Kalen DeBoer, and was a two-year defensive captain.

He earned a 6.10 grade from Zierlein's assessment, which calls him a "good backup with the potential to start."

"He has the reactive agility to become an above-average open-field finisher, but his wrap-and-drive fundamentals run hot and cold," Zierlein wrote "Lawson's athleticism shows up in man coverage and when expanding his zone influence. He projects as a run-and-chase Will linebacker with three-down potential but a limited ceiling."

Yet, Eagles Wire's Glenn Erby reported why Lawson's rookie year could shine brighter.

"Deontae Lawson has a path worth monitoring at linebacker," Erby wrote last month. "Jihaad Campbell is entering his second season, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has taken first-team reps, but the Eagles' off-ball linebacker rotation remains a place where camp performance can change the depth chart quickly.

"Lawson's physicality and instincts could give him a chance to earn early defensive snaps and eventually push for spot starts."

The Eagles Give More Opportunities to UDFAs Than Most Teams

The Eagles' all-time leading scorer (David Akers) was an undrafted free agent. Their most recently departed superstar DB (Reed Blankenship) was not chosen in the draft. Disney even made a movie for one of their highest-profile former UDFAs (Vince Papale).

So it is in Philadelphia's DNA to hang onto at least a few unchosen players on their 53-man roster.

Lawson, who is well-sized at 6-foot-3 and about 230 pounds, could be a project for Vic Fangio to develop on the Eagles' practice squad. ESPN's Tim McManus did not name Lawson as a on his 53-man roster prediction, which was released Thursday.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.