Makai Lemon, Philadelphia Eagles get head start on rookie contract
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. MORE: NFL Power Rankings after 2026 NFL Draft Makai Lemon Ready For Work Apr 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles 1st round draft pick Makai Lemon prepares to ring the bell during pregame ceremony before Philadelphia 76ers game against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images 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. MORE: NFL Draft grades for biggest winners and losers During his final season at USC, Lemon recorded 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.