Patriots Eye AFC East Pass-Rusher Ahead of Trade Deadline
The New England Patriots are actively exploring options ahead of the NFL trade deadline, set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. EST. Reports indicate that the team is particularly focused on acquiring a pass rusher. Despite feeling confident about their offensive lineup, the Patriots are also considering obtaining a running back due to ongoing injuries in that position.
Patriots Targeting Jaelan Phillips
Among the most notable targets is Jaelan Phillips, a fifth-year edge rusher from the Miami Dolphins. According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Patriots are one of three teams interested in Phillips, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Miami reportedly is seeking at least a third-round draft pick for him.
Phillips’ Career Stats
| Category | Average per 17 Games |
|---|---|
| Sacks | 8 |
| Quarterback Hits | 18.9 |
Phillips has shown explosive potential when healthy. He has averaged eight sacks and nearly 19 quarterback hits throughout his career. However, his progress has been hindered by significant injuries over the last two seasons. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2023 and a partial ACL tear in 2024. This year, he has played nine games, starting all of them while logging three sacks and 18 total pressures.
Contract Year Considerations
At just 26 years old, Phillips is in a contract year, making him a viable long-term option for the Patriots if acquired. His athleticism fits well within various defensive schemes, but he could particularly excel under Patriots’ defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel’s aggressive style. Despite this potential, the price of a third-round pick may be steep for a player with a history of injuries.
Patriots’ Current Standing
- Record: 7 wins, 2 losses
- Position: Competing for the AFC East title
While acquiring Phillips could strengthen the Patriots’ edge-rushing group, which has underperformed compared to their interior defensive players, they don’t necessarily need to make a desperate move. With competition from the Eagles and 49ers for the same player, the Patriots must weigh the risks of overcommitting for an injury-prone individual.
As the trade deadline approaches, the focus on securing a pass rusher could define the Patriots’ push for success this season.
