The Philadelphia Eagles have a big void along the defensive line after Za'Darius Smith retired on Monday. This wasn't what the Eagles wanted to see, as they were already struggling to generate a pass rush, as evidenced by their being tied for 29th in the NFL in team sacks (9) through six weeks.
The Eagles added DE Titus Leo to their practice squad on Wednesday, but that can't be the only move they make at the EDGE position. Philadelphia needs more juice, and its front office knows it. Those rumors were confirmed, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Eagles are looking for help on the trade market. People around the league believe it's for a cornerback or edge rusher.
There are a few edge rushers that will be dealt over the next few weeks, and one name who is on the block is Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. As reported by X user Rickey Scoops, Phillips is being shopped around the league ahead of the trade deadline.
This falls in line with what Fowler reported, as Phillips was mentioned as a potential 49ers target. Considering the Dolphins are 1-5, and their head coach, Mike McDaniel, is on the hot seat, it wouldn't be a shocker to see their front office unload on some talent. And the Eagles should pounce on the chance to acquire Phillips.
Eagles Should Target Miami Dolphins Edge Jaelan Phillips Before Deadline
Phillips is in the last year of his rookie contract and would be a rental for the remainder of the 2025 season. The past two seasons have been tough for him, as they were cut short due to Achilles and ACL injuries.
While that's something to consider in a potential deal, Phillips is an athletic force off the edge. In 52 career games (35 starts), he has 169 total tackles, 26 TFLs, 57 QB hits, and 24 sacks. He's played in all six games thus far in 2025, compiling 20 total pressures, 17 hurries, and one sack. Phillips currently has an 80.1 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. That mark would immediately be the second-best number on the team, trailing only Joshua Uche's 90.3 pass rush grade.
Phillips has more pass-rushing snaps (124) than Uche (89), but he would be a player who improves a unit that desperately needs it. Given Miami's status as a sinking ship and the 26-year-old's injury history, the price tag shouldn't be that high.
General manager Howie Roseman needs to find more pass-rushing help, and Phillips is definitely a player he should consider.