The amount of money an NFL team spends on an undrafted free agent is often a strong indicator of how likely that player might make the team. SI on Eagles‘ Jeff Kerr argued this week that’s at least the case with one undrafted free agent for Nick Sirianni and the Eagles this spring.
Kerr reported the Eagles guaranteed undrafted linebacker Joshua Weru $247,500. Additionally, Weru received a $25,000 signing bonus, which brings his total guarantees to $272,500.
For that reason, Kerr likes the linebacker’s chances in Philadelphia.
“This shouldn’t come as a surprise since Weru was part of the International Pathway Program and the Eagles went to extra lengths to bring him to Philadelphia,” wrote Kerr.
“The Eagles want to make sure Weru can develop on their roster in 2026. Even if Weru doesn’t make the 53-man roster, he’ll get the opportunity to develop on the practice squad. This is one of the UDFAs that should stick around.”
Weru’s background is in rugby, not American football. But clearly, the Eagles fell in love with his potential due to his athletic traits.
“Weru’s pro day results and field workout should capture the attention of evaluators hungry to mold an explosive athlete,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein in his 2026 NFL Draft profile. “While the former rugby player has no football background, his time in rugby should give him a bit of a head-start on making the transition.
“Teams won’t get a full sense of Weru’s potential until he’s competing in pads during camp, but given his athletic ability, it might take a late draft pick to get a seat at the table.”
Will Nick Sirianni, Eagles Find Roster Space for Joshua Weru?
Including Weru, the Eagles signed two players to a $247,500 guaranteed salary plus a $25,000 signing bonus this offseason. The other was cornerback Kapena Gushiken.
But Kerr sees Weru as having a slightly brighter future with the Eagles than Gushiken.
“Gushiken is listed as a defensive back, but more of a special teams standout than his ability to play regular defensive snaps,” wrote Kerr.
“Based on the guarantees, Gushiken should get a long look this summer. What position will he play in the secondary? He projects as a slot cornerback, but that will be unveiled in minicamp.”
It’s not surprising Weru went undrafted. But Zierlein actually projected there to be a chance for the linebacker to be a seventh-round choice.
Specifically, Zierlein was complimentary of Weru’s “outstanding flexion” in his hips and ankles. He also called the linebacker “fluid” in drills and “twitchy” with his feet.
But it’s difficult to project much for the linebacker. Weru has never played organized football.
Other Guaranteed Amount for Eagles Undrafted Free Agents
Overall, the Eagles signed eight undrafted free agents after the 2026 NFL Draft. Weru and Gushiken received a bulk of the money Philadelphia invested in the undrafted free agency class.
The next biggest guaranteed salary the Eagles had this offseason with an undrafted free agent was $50,000 (including signing bonus) for tight end Dae’Quan Wright.
Safety Maximus Pulley, long snapper Rocco Underwood, guard Jaeden Roberts, linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive back Isiah King each signed for under that amount.
Of that group, Wright probably has the best chance of making the Eagles 2026 roster. Wright could have an opportunity to stand out at tight end in Philadelphia this summer.
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