The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly showing interest in Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, according to a report from Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Phillips, a former first-round draft pick (18th overall) in 2021, has a solid track record but has faced significant injury challenges throughout his career. Wolfe, who covered the Dolphins from 2018 to 2021, noted that Phillips was under the guidance of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for one season, providing him a unique opportunity to enhance his skills.
Jaelan Phillips has experienced ups and downs during his time in the league, as highlighted by his statistics. In the 2021 season, he recorded 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks over 17 games. The following year, he improved even further with 61 tackles and 7 sacks. However, his promising performance in 2023, during which he notched 6.5 sacks in just 8 games, was cut short due to a torn Achilles. The 2024 season was equally challenging, ending prematurely for Phillips when he tore his ACL after just four games.
Prior to his NFL career, Phillips was highly regarded as a prospect coming out of high school, ranked second nationally by 247Sports. His journey to the NFL was marked by adversity, as he faced multiple injuries and even retired from football during his time at UCLA before bouncing back with a successful stint at the University of Miami. His resilience culminated in being selected in the first round of the draft after a standout 2020 season.
Current reports indicate that the Dolphins are looking to trade Phillips for at least a third-round pick. Despite the high asking price, it is speculated that a mid-Day 3 pick may be a more realistic valuation given his recent injuries and contract situation. Phillips is currently on a fifth-year option for 2025 which is valued at $13,251,000, and a team acquiring him would be responsible for about half of that salary.
The Eagles’ interest in Phillips reflects their ongoing pursuit of bolstering their defense, recognized as a critical area for improvement as they aim for continued success in the competitive landscape of the NFL. As Phillips seeks to recover and return to form, the potential for growth remains, along with the possibilities for trade discussions that could shape the upcoming season for him and the teams involved.