The Philadelphia Eagles might have another plan for linebacker Isiah King.
At 6-foot-3 and just 215 pounds, the former FCS star at the University of Idaho might end up going back to his secondary roots — or he might just be in line to get a shot as a special teams ace.
“Eagles signed Isiah King,” NFL reporter Aaron Wilson wrote on his official X account on Monday.
Eagles coaches got a look at King at their rookie minicamp and decided to bring him back for the rest of the offseason program.
San Diego Native Switched Positions in College
King hails from San Diego and initially came to the Vandals as a defensive back before moving to linebacker as a sophomore.
He became a starter in 2024 with 48 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2 interceptions, and 1.0 sack. In 2025, King put together a breakout season on the way to being named All-Big Sky Conference with 79 tackles, 9 TFL, 3.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
“I couldn’t be more excited for Isiah,” Idaho head coach Thomas Ford told the school’s official website. “He embodies what being a Vandal is all about. Watching him go through his development here has been so rewarding. Played a ton of (special teams) as a young player for me when I was the coordinator and had a phenomenal senior season here in Moscow. Everyone in the building knew he was a Sunday guy, so I’m ecstatic to see him get his chance with the Eagles.”
Eagles Drafted Player With Idaho Connection
King isn’t the only Eagles rookie with a connection to the Vandals.
The Eagles used their final pick in the 2026 NFL draft on New Mexico edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby in the 7th round (No. 252 overall). James-Newby and King were teammates at Idaho in 2023 and 2024.
James-Newby, 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, had a breakout season with the Vandals in 2024 with 64 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 14.5 TFL, and 2 forced fumbles in 13 games on the way to being named FCS All-American.
After transferring to play in the FBS for New Mexico, James-Newby was named All-Mountain West Conference in his lone season with the Lobos after putting up 9.0 sacks and 15 TFL in 13 games.
Before coming to Idaho and New Mexico, James-Newby started his college football career at NAIA Montana Tech.
“The Eagles round out the draft by taking James-Newby, who led New Mexico with nine sacks in 2025,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote. “He doesn’t have the biggest frame (6-foot-2, 244 pounds) but moves well. He will fight for a roster spot this summer to be part of an edge room that recently added Jonathan Greenard and includes Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and Arnold Ebiketie.”
Despite being undersized, James-Newby earned high praise from NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein.
“From Montana Tech to Idaho to New Mexico, James-Newby has stayed hungry and productive at every stop,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s undersized by NFL standards but plays much longer than he measures. He keeps his eyes on the prize instead of getting locked into long battles with the blocks in front of him. Power and length get the best of him, but not as often as I expected … James-Newby’s rush lacks diversity but a dangerous stab move is waiting to be unlocked. His high motor and disruptive ability should make him a solid sub-package edge rusher.”
Eagles Sign 6-foot-3, 215-Pound FCS Standout