The Kansas City Chiefs are beginning to look like the team people expected them to be, and have a chance to bolster their roster even more ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. The team is expected to be aggressive to improve and there are a lot of different ways they can go.
Let’s take a closer look as to what player one NFL writer believes is a great fit for the Chiefs at this point.
Kansas City Chiefs Getting a Strong Edge Rusher?
Miami Dolphins, Jaelan Phillips, NFL
Jul 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) works during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
On the NFL’s website, senior news writer Kevin Patra wrote an article discussing player-team fits that make sense ahead of the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline. He mentioned the Kansas City Chiefs trading with the Miami Dolphins for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
“The Chiefs are making their run with the offense looking as explosive as it has in years. The pass rush, however, could use an upgrade. George Karlaftis and Chris Jones have been a two-man show so far. Jones has been quiet of late, with a single QB pressure over the past two weeks. Karlaftis is the only Kansas City player who has earned more than two sacks this season.
“Phillips is the type of swing GM Brett Veach isn’t afraid to take. Injuries have sapped some of his explosiveness, but the upside remains. The pass rusher is entering the final year of his contract, so he should be moved by the two-win Dolphins. Adding an athletic edge rusher would make Steve Spagnuolo’s defense even more dangerous for the stretch run.”
Phillips has recorded 21 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, six quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery in eight games this season. Even if he does not have a spectacular season statistically, adding him to a Chiefs defensive line with Jones and Karlaftis would create even more confusing situations for the opposing offense.