Eagles Eye Jaelan Phillips as Potential Pass-Rush Upgrade Amid Trade Rumors — “A Team to Watch,” Says NFL Insider

The Philadelphia Eagles have built their modern identity on one core principle: win in the trenches. Under general manager Howie Roseman, few franchises have invested as heavily in both lines of scrimmage. And as the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches, it appears that tradition could continue — this time with a potential move for one of the league’s most intriguing defensive talents, Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Eagles are among a short list of teams “to watch closely” in the race for edge defenders. “The Lions, Ravens, Commanders and (again) Eagles all have shown interest in adding edge rushers,” Breer reported earlier this week. He specifically highlighted Phillips as a logical and realistic target for Philadelphia’s front office.

A Logical Fit for Fangio’s Defense

It’s no coincidence that Jaelan Phillips’ name stands out in this year’s trade chatter. The 26-year-old defensive end played under Vic Fangio during his stint with the Dolphins in 2023 — the same Fangio who now serves as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator.

Fangio’s system values disciplined rush lanes, versatility, and mental sharpness — traits Phillips has in abundance. At 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, he’s the type of edge player Fangio covets: athletic enough to drop into coverage, strong enough to set the edge, and explosive enough to win one-on-one matchups.

During his 2023 season in Miami, before injuries limited his playtime, Phillips recorded 6.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 43 total pressures in just eight games. Fangio praised him then as “a rare athlete who understands timing, leverage, and pursuit angles.” It’s easy to see why the veteran coach might be eager to reunite with him in Philadelphia.

The Numbers Behind the Hype

Through his first 56 career games, Phillips has amassed 26.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and 64 quarterback hits — numbers that place him among the NFL’s most productive young pass rushers when healthy.

But “when healthy” is the caveat that makes this rumor both exciting and risky. Phillips has missed 30 games over the past three seasons due to various injuries, including a torn Achilles that sidelined him for much of 2024. Still, scouts remain optimistic about his ceiling, describing him as a player with “Pro Bowl-level explosiveness” when fully recovered.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are facing an unusual challenge this season. Despite ranking near the top in total pressures in recent years, Philadelphia’s pass-rush win rate has dipped significantly in 2025. Last year’s mark of 56.7% ranked first in the NFL; this year, the team has slipped outside the top 10.

While Jalen Carter and Haason Reddick continue to headline the unit, the departure of veteran depth and the inconsistency of younger players have created a noticeable gap. Adding Phillips could help restore the relentless edge pressure that defined the Eagles’ Super Bowl run two seasons ago.

Why the Trade Makes Sense

From a roster-building perspective, the timing lines up perfectly. The Eagles currently hold three third-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft — one of their own, one from the New York Jets, and a projected compensatory pick for losing Milton Williams. That flexibility allows Roseman to make a meaningful offer without mortgaging the team’s long-term future.

NFL insiders suggest that acquiring Phillips could cost “at least a third-rounder,” given his age, production, and expiring rookie deal. For a player still entering his prime, that price tag could be considered a bargain — especially if Fangio believes he can unlock Phillips’ full potential.

Financially, the move would also be manageable. Phillips is in the final year of his contract and would carry a modest cap hit for the remainder of the season. If the fit proves successful, the Eagles could explore a multi-year extension that aligns with the timeline of their current defensive core.

The Risk Factor: Durability and Depth

Of course, there’s a flip side. Phillips’ injury history is no small concern. The Eagles have already dealt with their fair share of health challenges on defense, and adding another player with a recent Achilles tear comes with risk.

Moreover, the front office must weigh whether investing assets in another edge rusher is the best use of draft capital. The team has promising young contributors like Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo, both of whom have shown flashes of breakout potential under Fangio’s scheme. Trading for Phillips could stunt their development if the rotation becomes crowded.

There’s also the looming question of Haason Reddick’s contract status. The All-Pro pass rusher’s deal expires after next season, and the Eagles must soon decide whether to extend him or pivot to a younger, cheaper alternative. If the team views Phillips as a long-term replacement, this trade could be part of a larger strategy to transition the edge position for the next era.

The Market Around the League

Philadelphia isn’t alone in exploring pass-rush upgrades. The Lions, Ravens, and Commanders have also expressed interest in available edge defenders, including Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and even Trey Hendrickson.

But according to multiple reports, the Dolphins are open to listening, not necessarily selling. They’ve reached a point where cap management and future planning will dictate their decisions. If they believe Phillips’ next contract will exceed what they’re willing to pay, a mid-season trade could make sense.

From a competition standpoint, the Eagles are among the few teams both in win-now mode and with the draft resources to make such a deal. For a front office as aggressive as Howie Roseman’s, that combination is dangerous.

The Fan Perspective: Worth the Gamble?

Among Philadelphia fans, reactions have been split. Some see Phillips as the perfect addition — young, athletic, and familiar with Fangio’s system. Others worry about his durability and the potential cost of another short-term rental.

One fan summed it up perfectly on social media:

“If Phillips stays healthy, he’s a monster. But if he goes down again, we’ll be left with another expensive what-if.”

Still, the sentiment among analysts is clear: the Eagles are built to win now, and adding one more elite-level pass rusher could push them over the top.

Final Thoughts: A Trade Worth Watching

The Eagles’ interest in Jaelan Phillips is more than just a rumor — it’s a reflection of how this franchise operates. Roseman has never shied away from bold moves, and Fangio’s familiarity with the player only strengthens the connection.

Whether the deal happens will depend on Miami’s willingness to sell and Philadelphia’s appetite for risk. But one thing’s for sure: as Breer put it, “The Eagles are a team to watch.”

If history is any guide, when the Eagles are “watching,” they’re usually planning something big. And for a team chasing another Super Bowl window, Jaelan Phillips might just be the missing piece to make the defense soar again.