Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) takes the field prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images Jasen Vinlove
The Eagles on Monday struck another deal ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, acquiring Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick.
The trade certainly qualifies as a splash acquisition for the Eagles, who also added defensive back Michael Carter II and cornerback Jaire Alexander within the past week.
According to a report from ESPN’s Field Yates, the Dolphins converted $5.1255M of Phillips’ remaining base salary into a signing bonus, leaving the Eagles on the hook for just $1.5M of his salary for the remainder of the season.
Phillips, 26, started all nine games for the Dolphins this season, accruing 25 tackles, three sacks and seven quarterback hits. The 18th overall selection out of the University of Miami in 2021, Phillips has appeared in 55 games (38 starts), registering 177 tackles (28 for loss), 26 sacks and 71 quarterback hits over that span.
In 2023, Phillips briefly played under current Eagles’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, responding favorably with 6.5 sacks and 27 pressures before an Achilles injury prematurely ended his season. An ACL injury last season limited Phillips to only four games.
With the Eagles, Phillips headlines a pass rush contingent that currently includes Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Brandon Graham (more on him later) and Patrick Johnson, with third-year pro Nolan Smith (triceps) expected to return from injured reserve and enter the mix in the near future. Of the aforementioned, Hunt, Uche and Johnson have combined for three sacks.
Injuries have plagued Phillips dating back to college, but at his best, the 6-foot-5, 263-pound defender has proven to be a disruptive force off the edge.
It’s worth noting that while Phillips’ fifth-year option was picked up by Miami, his contract expires at the end of the season. Due to his injury history, Phillips, who turns just 27 in May, projects as a cost-effective piece – at a position of priority – that general manager Howie Roseman would effort to retain. Should Phillips sign elsewhere, however, it could yield the Eagles a compensatory pick.
Credit Roseman for identifying an area of need and pouncing on an ascending talent positioned to make a tangible impact. It’s the caliber of move that now definitively sets the Eagles apart – on paper, anyway – from every team standing in their way en route to Santa Clara in February.
In other news, the NFL on Monday lifted Brandon Graham’s two-week roster exemption. The 37-year-old will now be counted toward the 53-man roster, bringing the total to 53. To create room for cornerback Jakorian Bennett, and eventually, Smith, the Eagles will need to clear two roster spots.
