Andrew Mukuba Inks Rookie Deal With the Eagles Ahead of Training Camp
With training camp just a day away and anticipation building around the city of Philadelphia, the Eagles made an important move official: Andrew Mukuba has signed his rookie contract. The announcement came from the team’s facility at the NovaCare Complex and signals that all ten members of the 2025 draft class are now officially under contract.
This development silences any concerns or rumors of potential holdouts among rookies, especially those speculated to be due to contract disputes or dissatisfaction. Mukuba’s signing confirms that the Eagles have managed to bring in all their rookies without drama. With paperwork done and formalities handled, attention now shifts to performance expectations and how the former collegiate standout will fit into the Eagles’ system.
The Mukuba Profile: From College Standout to Pro Prospect
Standing at six feet tall and weighing in at 190 pounds, Andrew Mukuba comes into the NFL as a dynamic safety prospect. His collegiate resume speaks volumes: In 2021, he earned Third-Team All-ACC honors while playing at Clemson. That same season, he was also recognized as a Freshman All-American and was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year—a testament to his instant impact at the college level.
Mukuba played alongside other high-caliber talents at Clemson, including running back Will Shipley and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., both of whom have received their fair share of NFL buzz. For his final year of college eligibility, Mukuba transferred to the University of Texas and competed for the Longhorns in the SEC. There, he picked up Third-Team All-SEC recognition, showing that his production wasn’t limited to one system or one conference.
Ultimately, Mukuba was selected 64th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles—a second-round pick that reflects both his upside and the team’s belief in his potential. Now the question becomes: What can fans and coaches realistically expect from him during his first season in the NFL?
Let’s explore some well-founded expectations and educated guesses about how Mukuba’s rookie campaign might unfold.
Early Impact: Will Mukuba Earn a Starting Role in Year One?
One of the key talking points heading into Eagles training camp revolves around the safety position. Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, runs a complex system that puts significant responsibility on safeties—both in coverage and in run support. With this in mind, there’s a growing sense that Mukuba may be forced to grow up quickly and assume a larger role sooner than anticipated.
While nothing is guaranteed, there’s a plausible scenario where Mukuba starts at least ten games during the 2025 season. This prediction is based on both his ability and the state of the Eagles’ current safety group.
Sydney Brown, a fan favorite, has been considered a rising talent in the Eagles secondary. His passion and style of play have earned him respect from the locker room and the coaching staff. However, there’s an underlying notion that Fangio might not be entirely sold on Brown as a long-term starter. The coach has, on multiple occasions, gone out of his way to praise lesser-known players like Tristin McCollum and Andre’ Sam—without being asked about them.
If Mukuba can show he understands the scheme and performs well in practice, there’s little doubt that he’ll challenge for significant snaps, if not a starting spot outright.
Adding fuel to that fire is DeVonta Smith’s recent praise of Mukuba. Smith, the typically reserved wide receiver, doesn’t go out of his way to comment on rookies unless he truly sees something special. When veterans like Smith give public nods to newcomers, it’s a strong indicator that the rookie is making a good impression.
Predicting Mukuba’s Production: Tackles, Turnovers, and More
If Andrew Mukuba earns a regular role in the Eagles defense—and all signs point toward him getting that opportunity—it’s reasonable to forecast his statistical output. Fangio’s scheme is designed to funnel plays toward the safeties and linebackers. This creates opportunities for defenders to make tackles and impact plays, especially if they’re in the right position and reading the field well.
Given his track record at both Clemson and Texas, Mukuba has shown he can be a playmaker. A projection of 50 tackles and two to three interceptions during his rookie season is neither conservative nor overly ambitious—it’s grounded in the reality of how Fangio’s defense operates and Mukuba’s skill set.
At Clemson, Mukuba was frequently around the ball and made stops in the open field. His instincts, range, and closing speed make him a solid tackler and an active presence in coverage. Though the Eagles will undoubtedly miss the physical edge that C.J. Gardner-Johnson once brought to their secondary, Mukuba has the tools to make fans forget about that void, especially if he plays consistently and makes splash plays throughout the year.
Interceptions are sometimes a product of luck or poor quarterback decisions, but Mukuba’s ball skills give him a chance to pick off a few passes if he’s in the right position. He reads routes well and can break on the ball with confidence—traits that showed up time and again in his college tape.
Rookie Honors: A Shot at Defensive Rookie of the Year?
The potential is there. Andrew Mukuba is talented enough to insert himself into the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year, even if he doesn’t end up winning the award. His versatility, athleticism, and football IQ make him an ideal candidate to thrive in the Eagles’ defensive system. But he’ll face stiff competition.
Several other rookies drafted in 2025 are also considered strong candidates for this honor. One notable contender is Malaki Starks, another safety whose playmaking ability could light up highlight reels and stat sheets. Edge rusher Abdul Carter is also expected to be a defensive force for his new team, possibly racking up sacks and disrupting offenses from day one.
Another player to keep an eye on is Jihaad Campbell, who, like Mukuba, is seen as a difference-maker on defense. Campbell may rack up the type of flashy stats—tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles—that tend to capture voters’ attention.
While Mukuba may not lead the league in any one defensive category, his consistency, coverage ability, and potential for game-changing plays will certainly put him on the radar of voters. Even being named a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year would be a significant accolade, especially for a second-round pick playing in a high-pressure market like Philadelphia.
The Bigger Picture: How Mukuba Fits Into the Eagles’ Long-Term Plan
Mukuba’s presence on the roster signals more than just short-term help. The Eagles have spent recent years trying to revamp their secondary, particularly at safety. With names like Gardner-Johnson, Marcus Epps, and Rodney McLeod moving on in recent years, there has been a noticeable changing of the guard at the back end of the defense.
Drafting Mukuba in the second round shows that the Eagles are intent on getting younger, faster, and more dynamic on defense. His development could be crucial for maintaining a competitive defense in the NFC East, especially with high-powered offenses like the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers regularly on the schedule.
If Mukuba blossoms into a starter in Year 1 and maintains that trajectory, he could quickly become a foundational piece for Fangio’s unit—someone the team builds around rather than rotates out. That kind of impact player is rare to find outside of the first round, which is why so many around the league are keeping a close eye on his progress.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins for Andrew Mukuba
The Eagles’ decision to officially sign Andrew Mukuba just ahead of training camp was a necessary move to avoid distractions and allow the rookie to fully focus on football. With no contract drama hanging over his head, Mukuba can now zero in on learning the playbook, proving himself on the field, and earning the trust of his coaches and teammates.
All signs point to Mukuba being given a legitimate opportunity to compete for a starting role—and possibly thrive. His college pedigree, skillset, and early buzz coming out of OTA practices have laid the groundwork for what could be a very promising rookie campaign.
While it remains to be seen whether he’ll start from Week 1 or gradually take over as the season progresses, the expectations for Mukuba are real—and justifiably so. From starting 10 or more games to possibly being in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, this is shaping up to be a pivotal year not just for Mukuba, but for the entire Eagles defense.
Only time will tell how it all plays out, but one thing is clear: Andrew Mukuba has arrived in Philadelphia, and the future is full of possibilities.
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