Howie Roseman just made his signature move. The Philadelphia Eagles' general manager loves a high-stakes gamble. This one, however, carries a specific fingerprint. It feels like a calculated play straight from a seasoned defensive mind. But. But someone in the building clearly laid his cards on the table.
Roseman acquired pass rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins. The price was a 2026 third-round pick. And this trade directly addresses a glaring weakness. Eagles edge rushers have managed a mere 4.5 sacks this season. The overall defense? It has struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Hence, this move is a direct counterpunch.
And the architect behind this gamble might just be Vic Fangio. The Eagles' defensive coordinator knows Phillips intimately. Jeff Kerr highlighted this crucial connection on X. He posted,***"Jaelan Phillips had a very strong relationship with Vic Fangio when he was DC with the #Dolphins."***This existing rapport is the engine of this deal.
Phillips’ production under Fangio was undeniable. ***"In eight games playing under Fangio in 2023, Phillips 27 pressures, 6.5 sacks, and a 13.6% pressure rate. #Eagles got Fangio reunited with Phillips,"***Kerr added. Clearly, Fangio’s system unlocked his potential. Now, the Eagles are betting it can happen again.
The Phillips-Fangio Reunion
This trade is about reinstalling a weapon in its original system. Phillips arrives with a known playbook and a trusted coach. Therefore, his transition should be swift. He doesn’t need to learn a new language. It's just that he needs to speak it louder.
Of course, the elephant in the room remains health... Phillips has suffered significant injuries. He tore his Achilles tendon in 2023 and his ACL in 2024. His medical chart is a concern. However, he has played all nine games this season. And his three sacks show glimpses of his former self.
The Eagles' strategy is clear. They are all-in for another championship. Roseman is fortifying the roster for the grueling stretch of the season. Adding Phillips is a robust response to their pass-rush woes. This move signals a relentless pursuit of glory.
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Betting on talent over tape has been Howie's brand. Philly fans hope the medical charts cooperate this time. If Phillips stays upright, the Eagles may have turned a late third into the missing piece of another February parade. If not, they risk repeating the 2024 dream that died when the rush ran dry. Either way, November football in Philadelphia just got louder.