The Philadelphia Eagles have added another intriguing piece to their defensive puzzle, signing undrafted rookie linebacker Isiah King to bolster their depth. The move, announced Tuesday, comes as the team parts ways with rookie defensive back Tucker Large, who was waived with an injury designation.
King, who spent his final collegiate season at Idaho in 2025, put up eye-popping numbers that caught the attention of NFL scouts. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound linebacker recorded 79 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks in his senior campaign. What makes his stats even more impressive? King originally played safety, which explains his relatively lean frame for the linebacker position—a size that could actually work in his favor in today's fast-paced, pass-happy NFL.
But King's appeal goes beyond his college production. His athletic testing at Idaho's pro day turned heads, with a 10-foot broad jump and a blistering 4.66-second 40-yard dash. Those numbers, combined with a strong performance at Philadelphia's rookie minicamp last week, convinced the Eagles' coaching staff that he's worth a closer look.
The Eagles likely see King as a developmental project, with an eye on a practice squad role next season. He'll compete with fellow undrafted rookie Deontae Lawson and second-year pro Chandler Martin for a spot on the developmental roster. For a team known for finding hidden gems, King's hybrid safety-linebacker skillset could be a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme.
Meanwhile, the departure of Tucker Large underscores the brutal reality of roster battles. The rookie defensive back, who transferred from South Dakota State to Washington State for his final season, racked up 71 tackles in 2025. But after being spotted on the sidelines during Friday's minicamp practice, his chances of cracking the 53-man roster were always slim.
As Eagles general manager Howie Roseman continues to fine-tune the roster ahead of training camp, King's signing is a reminder that the team is always on the hunt for undervalued talent. While this move might seem minor now, it could be the first step in a bigger plan—one that keeps Philadelphia's defense deep, versatile, and ready for the challenges ahead.