The Eagles have a few questions regarding the future of their defense this offseason, one of which is what to do with the newly acquired pass rusher Jaelan Phillips.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the jury is still out as far as what the future holds for the promising pass rusher.
"Jaelan Phillips' free agency has my attention. He was knocking on the door of becoming a top-10 pass rusher in the NFL before injuries hit. But now he's rounding into form and looks rejuvenated by the trade that sent him to Philadelphia, recording six tackles (one for loss), two quarterback hits and a fumble recovery Monday night in Green Bay. If Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can help maximize Phillips, a massive payday might be waiting, either in Philadelphia or elsewhere. This puts the Eagles in position to earn a strong compensatory pick for Phillips if he leaves."
Eagles have a critical decision to make with Phillips in the offseason
Phillips, on paper, gives the defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, exactly what he needs moving forward. He's been consistently a top ten pass rusher in the NFL, barring injury. Unfortunately for Phillips, in the last two seasons, he's failed to appear in over eight games.
Looking like he is finally healthy and even rejuvenated, Phillips, reunited with his former coach, put together a six-tackle performance, including one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery in his Eagles debut against the Green Bay Packers.
Phillips is currently in his last year of his rookie contract, which has had its fifth-year option exercised. The 2021 first-round pick joins a group of young Eagles defenders who are due major paydays once the offseason comes along.
The Eagles currently have to decide whether the team wants to extend Jalen Carter (or exercise his fifth-year option) and extend Jordan Davis (who will be playing on his fifth-year option in 2026), in addition to Moro Ojomo being a free agent after the 2026 season.
The key to an extension is clearly up to Phillips. Suppose Fangio is able to maximize the potential of Phillips, who put together a seven-sack campaign in only eight games with Fangio in 2023. In that case, the Eagles' newest defensive weapon is in line for a massive payday regardless of who signs him. If Philadelphia chooses to let him walk the Eagles are in line for compensatory pick for Phillips if he leaves.
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The Eagles are set to take on the Detroit Lions in week eleven at home. The Lions, who are facing a multitude of injuries on the offensive line, could find a way to get Phillips extremely involved and help ensure his standing in the Eagles' defensive plans moving forward.