The Philadelphia Eagles' season came to an end in the wild-card round, and now the conversations around the future of the team have started. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips is one of the players set to hit free agency, and during locker cleanout day, he spoke with reporters about what the future could hold for him.
According to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Phillips hopes to stay in Philadelphia for the long term, but he has to do what's best for his family. He added that he wants to play for a competitive team, and that's a priority.
“Obviously, I’ve got a family now,” Phillips said, via Zangaro. “I’ve got a kid on the way so I’ve got to think about that. But also I want to be on a competitive team, in an environment where I love the guys I’m around and love the organization that I’m playing for. I feel like I feel that here. So, yeah, we’ll see.”
With the uncertainty that surrounds Phillips' future in Philadelphia, the idea of him potentially walking in free agency will open up a ton of extra money that they could see elsewhere on the team.
Jaelan Phillips Possible Departure from Eagles Would Free Money for the Front Office
The Eagles shipped out a 2026 third-round pick to land Phillips, and he was productive for them during the second half of the season. In eight games with Philadelphia, he logged 28 total tackles, four pass deflections, seven QB hits, and two sacks. In addition, Phillips tallied 35 hurries, recording at least three in his last three outings.
The Miami product has generated pressure throughout his NFL career, which will likely lead to a lucrative free agent contract this offseason. Teams are always looking to get better in the trenches, and with Phillips turning 27 years old in May, he's in his prime.
The Eagles will attempt to keep him around, but cannot guarantee that will happen. Spotrac has listed Phillips' market value at $17.3 million per season. They project him to land a three-year, $52 million contract on the open market.
Meanwhile, the Eagles currently have $21 million in cap space to work with. That number will increase with cuts and contract restructures, giving the Eagles more money to work with, but there are other areas where they could improve.
Philadelphia needs help along the defensive line and at cornerback. They also have Dallas Goedert and Reed Blankenship hitting free agency, which could create more holes at tight end and safety. This team also has a decision to make around A.J. Brown, and that may open another need at receiver.
There will be many changes happening for the Eagles, and that makes the thought of Phillips walking away possible. He was a much-needed addition for an Eagles team that had a void at pass rush, and he provided Philadelphia with the type of productive player the front office and coaching staff were seeking.
However, whether Phillips sticks around in Philadelphia remains to be seen. If the Eagles don't give him the best deal on the open market, Phillips may look to cash in with another contender. And there's a real good chance that happens because good teams are always looking to add more pass rushers.
With the extra money they would save from that deal, they could use it to plug in other holes on the team and with how Howie Roseman has constructed teams, that should provide fans with a lot of hope.