The Philadelphia Eagles traded up with the division rival Dallas Cowboys in last weekend’s 2026 NFL Draft to select USC star wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick. The Eagles gave up two first-round picks to move from No. 23 to No. 20 overall, proving their excitement to land the offensive weapon.
On Thursday, April 30, ahead of rookie minicamp, Philadelphia and Lemon agreed to his rookie deal. Lemon becomes the first first-rounder to sign his first NFL contract this year.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Lemon signed a four-year, fully guaranteed deal that includes an $11.5 million signing bonus.
The deal is worth just north of $20.8 million in fully guaranteed money.
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Makai Lemon Ready For Work
Lemon can now get to work in Philadelphia when the rookie minicamp kicks off.
The Eagles are set to kick off the 2026 rookie minicamp on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at the Jefferson Health Training Complex in Philly.
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During his final season at USC, Lemon recorded 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Lemon brings some much-needed wide receiver reinforcements for the Eagles, who are expected to trade A.J. Brown after June 1. The team also signed Hollywood Brown and traded for Dontayvion Wicks during the offseason.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 20 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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