Philadelphia, PA – July 3, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles have locked in one of the most intriguing talents from their 2025 draft class, signing their fourth-round rookie running back to a surprisingly modest deal after quiet murmurs of contract hesitation, team sources confirmed to ESPN. With training camp looming, the move signals a pivotal step for a player who has quickly become one of Philly’s offseason darlings.
The rookie runner, selected 127th overall, was believed to be weighing whether to delay his signing in hopes of securing more guarantees — a common consideration among mid-round picks navigating the league's evolving rookie contract landscape. But his final decision to sign reflects a deeper commitment to team culture, development, and the pursuit of a championship over contract figures, per The Athletic.
That rookie is Will Shipley, the versatile back from Clemson whose speed, toughness, and vision turned heads throughout OTAs and minicamp. He opened up candidly on 94WIP this week:
“I once thought I'd wait for a bigger contract, maybe even explore other options — and I know that disappointed some people. For that, I'm sorry. But something changed. I realized I'd rather chase a ring than chase numbers. That's why I signed. I want to win a Super Bowl with Philadelphia.”
Shipley, 21, inked a four-year deal worth approximately $4.8 million, with around $875,000 guaranteed, per Spotrac projections — a reasonable but lower-end guarantee compared to some Day 3 backs. During minicamp, Shipley racked up multiple long touchdown runs in red zone drills, showed sharp vision in inside-zone reps, and impressed coaches with his blitz pickup — a rarity for rookies. He even took first-team snaps when Saquon Barkley rested, drawing early comparisons to Brian Westbrook.
“Will’s been fearless,” head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters. “He picks up blitzes, runs angry, and absorbs the playbook like a vet. You can't coach hunger like that.”
Shipley enters a crowded but talented backfield led by Barkley, with veteran Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. rounding out the group. Still, multiple Eagles insiders believe Shipley may push Gainwell off the 53-man roster if his momentum continues through August. His all-purpose skill set — nearly 3,000 scrimmage yards and 33 touchdowns at Clemson — fits perfectly in Philly’s up-tempo, inside-zone-heavy offense.
Speculation emerged that Shipley’s camp briefly considered a delayed signing as a negotiating tactic — but that notion quickly faded as he embraced the Eagles’ locker room culture and focused fully on football.
Fans embraced his signing across social media. One X user wrote, “Shipley just earned my respect. Choosing to ride with Philly over chasing cash? That’s an Eagle, through and through.” Paired with Jalen Hurts, Barkley, and an offensive line still elite, Shipley could become the unsung weapon Philly never saw coming.
With Week 1 against the Packers fast approaching, Will Shipley’s team-friendly deal might be remembered not just for the cap space it saved — but for the grit and loyalty it symbolized.
Stay tuned to ESPN for updates!
