Former East Carolina defensive tackle **[Zion Wilson](https://247sports.com/Player/Zion-Wilson-46151714)** is heading to the National Football League. The former Pirate standout signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, according to reports.
The news of Wilson inking a deal with the Eagles came as a surprise, as he had transferred to the University of Virginia earlier this season, after graduating and wrapping up his senior season at ECU. But Wilson's transfer and potential additional year of eligibility was contingent upon a waiver from earlier in his ECU career. The NCAA ultimately did not grant the waiver, leading Wilson to turn professional.
Wilson signed for a guaranteed contract of $225,000, with a $25,000 signing bonus, [per Ryan Fowler](https://x.com/_RyanFowler_/status/2062622591165120628?s=20). The guarantee is more than most undrafted free agents typically get, lending one to believe the Eagles have a fairly high level of confidence in Wilson's abilities.
The 6-foot-3, 316-pound Wilson will make for an intriguing NFL defensive prospect. For an older college player, he doesn't have a ton of tread on his tires. He was a preferred walk-on at East Carolina to begin his career in 2021, and bounced between offensive and defensive line, before getting his first full-time action in 2025. He enjoyed a monster breakout season as a result, starting all 13 games in the Pirates' 9-4 season, and becoming the anchor of the defensive line. Wilson amassed 44 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and seven sacks.
Wilson totaled 458 snaps this past season on defense for ECU, grading out at a 74.4 defensive mark, per Pro Football Focus. He also finished with a 74.2 run defense grade, logging 21 stops near or behind the line of scrimmage. Wilson also finished with a 68.9 pass rush grade, turning in 29 quarterback pressures.
Wilson has some good bloodlines. His uncles CJ Wilson and Willie Smith both played at ECU before enjoying NFL careers.
In this same draft class, the Pirates saw wide receiver Anthony Smith drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round. Linebacker Samuel Dankah, long snapper Triston O'Brien, and athlete Mike Wright Jr. all got rookie mini camp invites post-draft, but have not signed full-time contracts at this point.