Philadelphia Eagles fans can't help but still be celebrating the great move made in acquiring edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to transform the pass rusher in Philly.
The best part of the move is that the Miami Dolphins were willing to pay the majority of Phillips' contract in 2025 if the Eagles gave them a 2026 third-round pick. With the Eagles already having the Jets' third-round pick and a compensatory third-round pick potentially heading their way, general manager Howie Roseman couldn't say yes faster.
Despite all the excitement surrounding the move, there are still some big questions that need to be answered. One is what the team is going to do about Phillips after the 2025 season.
Massive contract decision coming for Roseman and the Eagles
Phillips is currently in the final year of his rookie contract he signed with the Dolphins when they drafted him. There are some questions as to whether they should extend his contract with the Eagles. The Athletic's Zach Berman believes the team needs to consider it.
"The Eagles should consider extending Phillips — either now, or after the season (if he stays healthy). Edge rusher is a long-term need for the Eagles, and they don’t have major money tied up in Smith or Hunt. In fact, both are under team control for at least two more years (if the Eagles pick up Smith’s fifth-year option). Phillips, 26, could be part of the team’s defensive core. And the Eagles could pay him before Smith and/or Hunt get new years on their deals. If nothing else, trading for Phillips gives the Eagles a head start and exclusive negotiating rights in February before free agency. Phillips would likely be one of the 10-15 available free agents if he hits the market. Considering the talent, the fit, the position, and the age, it’s something Roseman should explore."
Here is where there is some hesitancy on making a deal now on an extension: durability. Phillips has missed 22 games over the last year due to injuries, including the 2023 season, during which he played under current Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
For Philly, it would be smarter to wait the season out and see if Phillips can stay healthy and play through the whole season. Once they see how he plays and proves he can be reliable by being on the field, they can work out a deal in the offseason before he hits the free agent market.
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There's no doubt Phillips has all the talent in the world to be a top 10 edge rusher in the NFL, but whether he can stay healthy and play could make or break his stay in Philly.