The Philadelphia Eagles are encountering all sorts of problems this season as they look to defend their Super Bowl title. While the offense has gotten most of the headlines, the Eagles' issues in the pass rush have been well-documented and led to the signing of Za’Darius Smith on Sept. 5.
Smith had 1.5 sacks in his first five games with the Eagles, but his tenure came to an abrupt end when he announced his retirement on Instagram on Monday morning. The announcement throws another curveball to Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who must now look for a replacement ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline, and the best option is clear in Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Jaelan Phillips Trade Could Be the Move That Fixes the Eagles’ Pass Rush
A former first-round pick by the Dolphins in the 2021 draft, Phillips has been big on talent but short on durability. The former Hurricane has played over 600 snaps just once during his five seasons in the league and hasn’t done it since 2022, but his 2025 season has appeared to bring him back to his best form.
Pro Football Focus has given Phillips a 66.9 overall grade this season, which is his highest since logging a 79.8 grade in 2023. He also has 20 pressures in 124 pass-rushing snaps, which is already close to matching his total from the past two seasons (27) combined.
With Phillips also logging an 80.1 pass-rushing grade this season, he would appear to be a fit on talent alone. But he also fits into what the Eagles need in their pass rush.
Philadelphia let Josh Sweat leave for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, but that decision has backfired. Nolan Smith Jr. is currently out with a strained triceps, and second-year player Jalyx Hunt has not taken off with just 16 pressures and no sacks in the first five games (254 total snaps). Josh Uche has performed well enough to fill part of the void, but the Eagles still need someone else to come in.
Phillips could be that answer. As a player who is in the final year of his contract, Phillips could hit the ground running, looking to secure the bag wherever he lands in free agency next spring. He also has previous experience with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio during the 2023 season, when he logged a 79.8 overall grade and 27 pressures and 6.5 sacks in eight games before suffering a torn Achilles.
There is some risk in acquiring Phillips, but that should be reflected in his potential trade cost. With the Dolphins floundering at 1-5, they should be looking to move some players at the deadline and start rebuilding for the future. That should have the Eagles calling after Smith’s sudden retirement and give Philadelphia a player with some upside for the second half.