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Makai Lemon, the wide receiver out of USC selected 20th overall after the Philadelphia Eagles traded up last week, has officially signed his rookie contract.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed the deal Thursday: a four-year, fully guaranteed arrangement carrying an $11.5 million signing bonus, with representation handled by Ian Grutman and David Ben-Zaken of GSE Worldwide.
The total value sits just under $20 million over the life of the deal, at roughly $5 million per year.
A rebuilt receiving room now has its centerpiece locked in
Lemon had been on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers just before the pick, believing he was about to hear his name called in front of the host city. Philadelphia traded picks No. 23, 114, and 137 to the Dallas Cowboys for the No. 20 slot and a 2027 seventh-rounder, jumping ahead of Pittsburgh entirely.
"I was definitely shocked. I couldn't be more happy that they did." Lemon told reporters.
General manager Howie Roseman spoke about what drew the Eagles to Lemon at the joint post-draft news conference.
"Competitor. Has the ability to separate in man coverage, out of the slot, he can play outside. Really good with the ball in his hands," Roseman said. Head coach Nick Sirianni added simply, "Insane ability to catch the ball in contested situations. I love his toughness."
With A.J. Brown expected to be dealt after June 1, the No. 2 receiver role behind DeVonta Smith is open. The contract is signed. Now he has to earn everything it promises once he gets on the grass at The Jeff.
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