The Miami Dolphins were predicted to blow it all up at the trade deadline. Instead, they made one move that mattered. Star linebacker Jaelan Phillips is now an Eagle, shipped to Philadelphia for a third-round pick in a deal that says more than the front office probably intended.
Phillips may only have three sacks this season, but he remains one of the NFL‘s best pass rushers. His arrival gives an Eagles defense that’s already rolling another edge threat as they push for another championship.
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And judging by his reaction, Phillips couldn’t be happier to leave South Florida behind.
“I mean, I thought I was excited Day 1,” Phillips told reporters on Thursday. “Talk to me now, this is like literally the greatest thing that’s happened in my whole life, probably. But it’s just awesome. The guys are awesome, everybody’s been super welcoming. I love the environment here, I love the vibe here.”
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“The City of Philly has given me a very warm welcome. I got about 20 times the amount of Instagram likes that I ever got on a post from before from the Philly fans, so shout out to y’all.” Phillips added.
🎥 Jaelan Phillips on being traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Philadelphia Eagles: “This is literally the greatest thing that’s happened to me in my life… I got about 20x the amount of Instagram likes than I ever got in a post before.” (@EliotShorrParks) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/DCRNw58ouC
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) November 6, 2025
That’s not exactly a love letter to Miami.
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Jaelan Phillips was the Dolphins’ first-round selection back in 2021, but now he’s traded away before hitting free agency next offseason. Miami’s front office saw the writing on the wall with a 2-7 record and cashed out while they could.
Phillips, meanwhile, gets to swap a sinking ship for a 6-2 Eagles team sitting atop the NFC East.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tackled by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The move also reunites him with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who coached him during his breakout 2023 season in Miami before an Achilles injury cut it short.
Philadelphia is chasing another Lombardi Trophy. Adding Phillips to that defensive front makes the road back to New Orleans a whole lot easier to navigate.
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