The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 third round draft pick.
The move marks the 3rd trade the Eagles have completed over the last week, joining CB Michael Carter II, and Jaire Alexander as veteran additions to the team. Philadelphia had two glaring needs heading into the 2025 NFL trade deadline: help in their secondary, and help along their front seven. It would appears as though GM Howie Roseman made good use his team’s bye week by adding pieces to address both areas of need.
The Eagles defence currently ranks 23rd in total defence, and 24th in sacks, which is where their new OLB figures to make the biggest impact. Phillips is familiar with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio from his time in Miami. In Fangio’s defensive scheme, Phillips was able to register 6.5 sacks in just 8 games back in 2023.
The 26 year old pass rusher now joins a group that includes Jalyx Hunt, Joshua Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Patrick Johnson. Longtime edge rusher Brandon Graham recently came out of retirement and will join that group shortly, and Nolan Smith could be activated from the injured reserve as early as this upcoming week vs. Green Bay.
Originally selected 18th overall back in 2021 by Miami, Phillips set a franchise rookie record with 8.5 sacks in his first year in the NFL. After registering 8.5 and 7 sacks in his first two seasons, Phillips was having a career year in 2023 before suffering a season ending Achilles injury. He would return the next year but only suit up for 4 contests before suffering an ACL tear that cost him the remainder of the year.
Across 9 games this year, Phillips has accumulated 3 sacks, 25 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 7 QB hits. He currently ranks 8th amongst all linebackers in pass rush win rate and 12th in pressure rate. He’s currently playing on his rookie 5th year option, and will become a free agent at season’s end making the 2nd half of the season essentially an audition for Philadelphia as to whether they want to keep him long term or not.
With Phillips now jettisoned out of town, Miami could be shopping Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon before the trade deadline passes this week. The club is currently 2-7 on the year and recently relieved GM Chris Grier of his duties.
Head coach Mike McDaniel’s seat is amongst the hottest of all play callers across the league at the moment, and whispers about QB Tua Tagaovailoa and WR Jaylen Waddle’s availability have been making the rounds through NFL circles for the better part of the last week as well. How many pieces ultimately get moved remains to be seen, however the club will be one of the busiest organizations in the league leading up to the November 4th, 4pm trade deadline.
Philadelphia will travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers this coming Monday in an 8:15pm ET showdown.
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