The Philadelphia Eagles have no shortage of key free agency decisions to make in the upcoming weeks. One of the more interesting decisions will be whether or not pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is retained. In limited action, the defender totaled two sacks, seven quarterback hits, four TFLs, and 34 pressures. This is more than enough to earn the veteran defender a nice payday in free agency, with Sportrac projecting the defender to receive a deal worth $17 million per year on the open market.
It isn't a hot take to point out that this is likely out of Philly's comfort zone, as the team has so many homegrown players hitting free agency who would be first in line to be paid. Add in the fact that Phillips himself is voicing doubt about his future with the Eagles, and Philadelphia needs to begin looking at how it might replace the lost production. Luckily, defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has been given an incredible opportunity by being named the head coach for the Senior Bowl. This provides Philly with an inside track on evaluating pass-rushing options that could help potentially replace any lost production from Phillips.
The news of Hurtt's opportunity came via The Athletic's Zach Berman, who offered: "Eagles DL coach Clint Hurtt has been named a head coach for the Senior Bowl. Good forum and opportunity for Hurtt, who's an impressive, respected coach."
This enhances the exciting opportunity that Hurtt has been given, while not focusing on the obvious upside it gives Philadelphia when in evaluating the next wave of prospects. Hurtt has the inside track to helping the Eagles find the best pick that would replace the lost production of Phillips.
Eagles Have Opportunity to Find Perfect Jaelan Phillips Replacement in 2026 Offseason
It is no secret that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio clearly likes working with Phillips, and a reunion cannot be ruled out entirely. However, the history of the DC and the pass rusher doesn't offset the potential price tag when compared to the injury risk and more pressing pieces that the Eagles must pay. Phillips has suffered season-ending injuries in two of the last three seasons, adding to the potential risk that comes with signing the defender to a lucrative deal.
No question, the wiser path to take is drafting at the position and hoping to build a rotation that replaces Phillips as a unit, and not adding one star player. As great as it would be to bring back Phillips or add a more proven star, it seems unlikely, given Philadelphia's current roster, that the franchise can afford to pay top-dollar for an established pass rusher.
The wiser move is to take advantage of Hurtt's opportunity coaching in the Senior Bowl and search for a fit that you believe can help be a part of the solution to replace Phillips. It is the best path forward and gives the Eagles hope of drafting a piece that can be an answer not only for the 2026 season but for years to come.