Good luck to the rest of the NFL as they try to keep up with the Philadelphia Eagles after the big trade deadline move to help their pass rush.
The Eagles made a trade the day before the trade deadline came to an end as they acquired Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. After just 4.5 sacks from the position this year, Philly is stoked to have a guy who can not only help for 2025 and beyond, but can make an immediate impact, thanks to his relationship with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
During his first media availability since the trade deadline, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni spoke out about Phillips and what he sees in him. The biggest thing for Sirianni is what Phillips can do to help the team now, as well as the kind of person he is.
"Explosive player. Able to get ot the quarterback. Giolent in the run game. Can create a lot of disruption. Just a lot of how we like to play that position. Vic (Fangio) having familiarity with him is obviously big. Takes away some of that learning curve of getting ready to go. So a lot of things to like about him ...We were able to practice against them a couple years ago. Really showed some really good things in that. Played against him in 2023. Just a lot to like about him. Really, really, really good player. Getting to know him a little bit, really like the person."
Phillips is ready now to help the Eagles take out the rest of the NFL
Looking back at the 2023 numbers, when Phillips and Fangio were together in Miami, it was clear Phillips was a perfect fit for Fangio's defensive scheme. In eight games before his Achilles injury, Phillips racked up 43 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, two pass deflections, and one interception.
This season, Phillips has proven to everyone that he can stay healthy for the Dolphins. He's played in all nine of their games, posting 25 tackles, seven quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, three sacks, and one fumble recovery.
There have been durability questions for Phillips, but so far, he has shown that he can stay healthy. His new general manager, Howie Roseman, defended that narrative, suggesting it was more likely another player had accidentally injured him rather than a non-contact injury.
Phillips will step into Fangio's defense as a starter off one of the edges, while either Nolan Smith Jr. or Jalyx Hunt will be on the other in Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers. Smith just had his 21-day practice window open, so once he's officially back, he will be the other starter full-time. The Eagles also have Josh Uche and Brandon Graham, who will help off the edge.
Read more:Multi-time Eagles castoff needed 24 hours to rejoin team after being released
Philly is looking a lot better at EDGE, and the Eagles have the NFL's attention on who the top dogs are in the league after their bye week.