The Philadelphia Eagles have moved to bolster their defensive depth ahead of the 2026 season, agreeing to terms with a young linebacker looking to rebound from adversity. According to an announcement from his agency, JL Sports, reported by Yahoo Sports, the Eagles have secured former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Chandler Martin on a two-year contract.
The signing addresses a perennial area of focus for General Manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles' front office. While the financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed, the commitment represents a calculated bet on a player's talent and resilience, a hallmark of many of Philadelphia's recent roster-building strategies.
Who is Chandler Martin?
Chandler Martin, 23, entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Memphis, signing with the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2024 season. He carved out an initial role primarily on special teams, showcasing the speed, physicality, and tackling fundamentals that made him a standout collegiate player. His path to a larger defensive role was interrupted by significant injury. In Week 13 of the 2025 season, Martin suffered a torn ACL, abruptly ending his campaign.
The recovery from a major knee injury is a well-trodden path in the modern NFL, and the Eagles' medical and training staff will be central to Martin's integration. By signing him to a two-year pact, the organization signals both patience and belief in his full recovery. The structure of such deals often includes protections for the team, but the multi-year offer suggests Philadelphia sees Martin as more than just a camp body.
Skill Set and Potential Fit
At his best, Martin profiles as a modern, athletic linebacker. During his time at Memphis, he was a tackling machine, demonstrating a keen nose for the football and the ability to play in space. His special teams prowess with the Ravens is his most established NFL credential to date. For an Eagles team that has emphasized the importance of the third phase under Head Coach Nick Sirianni, adding a proven coverage asset is never a trivial move.
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio's system places a premium on versatile linebackers who can diagnose plays quickly, drop into coverage zones, and be reliable tacklers. While Martin is unlikely to be thrust into a starting role immediately, especially as he works back to full health, he fits the athletic profile Fangio covets. His development will be one to watch throughout the offseason program and training camp.
The Eagles' linebacker room has undergone transitions in recent years. This signing is a classic depth addition with upside. Martin will compete for a roster spot and a role on special teams, with the potential to earn defensive snaps as he regains his form and acclimates to the playbook. He joins a unit that will be looking for consistent playmakers to step forward.
The Bigger Picture
This move is a low-risk, potentially moderate-reward transaction that reflects the pragmatic nature of NFL roster construction in March and April. The Eagles are not betting the season on Chandler Martin, but they are investing resources in a young player at a position of need. If he recovers fully, he could become a valuable rotational piece and core special teamer. If the recovery faces setbacks, the contractual structure likely minimizes the long-term impact on the team's salary cap.
It also continues a theme of the Eagles identifying and acquiring players who may be undervalued due to injury or circumstance, providing them with a platform to revitalize their careers. Philadelphia's performance staff has a strong reputation, and Martin will be another test case for their rehabilitation protocols.
For Martin, Philadelphia represents a fresh start and a clear opportunity. The Eagles have shown a willingness to give players a chance to prove themselves, and the two-year deal offers him stability as he focuses entirely on his rehabilitation and football development.
What's Next?
All eyes will now turn to the field--when Martin is cleared to step onto it. His participation in offseason activities will likely be limited initially, with the focus on his rehabilitation. The true evaluation will begin in training camp and the preseason, where he can demonstrate his recovered athleticism and compete for a defined role.
For Eagles fans, the signing is a footnote in a larger offseason narrative, but an important one. Championship teams are built not only by star power but by quality depth and contributions from all 53 players on the roster. Chandler Martin's journey from an undrafted free agent, through a major injury, and now to a new two-year deal in Philadelphia is a story of perseverance. The Eagles are banking that the next chapter includes impactful plays in green and white.
The agreement, as reported, adds another piece to the puzzle as Howie Roseman and his staff continue to shape the roster for the challenges of the 2026 season.