Eagles Acquire Linebacker Jaelan Phillips from Dolphins for Third-Round Pick
The Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed a significant trade with the Miami Dolphins, acquiring linebacker Jaelan Phillips. In exchange, the Dolphins will receive a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This original third-round pick belongs to the Eagles and was not part of the deal that brought Haason Reddick to the team.
Jaelan Phillips’ Career Overview
Drafted 18th overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jaelan Phillips quickly made an impact in the league. Over his first season, he played all 17 games, achieving a career-best of 8.5 sacks along with 42 total tackles, including nine tackles for loss. His performance led to a solid follow-up season in 2022, where he started in 15 games and added another seven sacks to his record.
Recent Injury Challenges
In 2023, despite showing promise with 6.5 sacks in just eight games, Phillips suffered a torn Achilles that led to an early end to his season. He returned in 2024 but played only four games before a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Despite these setbacks, the Dolphins exercised his fifth-year option, ensuring he remained under contract through the 2025 season.
Phillips Joins the Eagles
With an urgent need to bolster their pass rush, the Eagles are optimistic that Phillips will provide valuable contributions. When healthy, Phillips is regarded as a disruptive force who thrived in a scheme under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in 2023. The Eagles have struggled with their edge rushing due to the loss of players like Josh Sweat to free agency and Bryce Huff via trade.
Eagles’ Pass Rush Needs
Currently, the Eagles have achieved only 4.5 sacks from their edge rushers in the first eight games of the season. Key figures like Nolan Smith, who has been injured, and veteran Brandon Graham, who returned from retirement, have not yet filled the void left by the team’s recent departures.
Future Prospects for Phillips
At nearly 27 years old, Phillips is a candidate for contract extension with Philadelphia. His injury history may influence negotiations, but his early career promise makes him an attractive option moving forward. Should he sign elsewhere after this season, his departure could benefit the Eagles in the form of compensatory draft picks in 2027.
The Eagles’ general manager, Howie Roseman, has a history of making impactful trades at the deadline, suggesting this move aligns with the team’s aspirations to return to the Super Bowl. With Phillips’ addition, the Eagles aim to address their pass rush challenges and enhance their chances for success in the NFC.
Miami’s Organizational Changes
This trade comes shortly after significant changes within the Dolphins’ organization. Following the departure of former general manager Chris Grier, Champ Kelly is currently serving as the interim GM. The team will be looking to rebuild after navigating through a challenging season.
