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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 16: Jaelan Phillips #50 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts to a defensive stop during the second half of a game against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears may have just received an unexpected opening in their search for pass rush help.
According to The Athletic’s Zach Berman, the Philadelphia Eagles are not expected to use the franchise or transition tag on any of their pending free agents, including former first round edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
That decision would allow Phillips to hit the open market when free agency begins.
At the same time, Bears general manager Ryan Poles signaled at the NFL Scouting Combine that while Chicago plans to add competition along the defensive line, it is unlikely to commit top-of-market money to completely remake the unit in one offseason.
That distinction matters.
It suggests the Bears may pivot away from blockbuster options like Trey Hendrickson or a costly Maxx Crosby trade.
Put those two developments together, and Phillips suddenly looks like a name to watch in Chicago.
Eagles’ Decision Opens the Door for Bears
Philadelphia’s choice not to tag Phillips is significant.
The 26-year-old former first-round pick was acquired by the Eagles at the trade deadline and made an immediate impact. In eight regular season games, Phillips recorded seven quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus graded him at 77.1 during that stretch, reinforcing his value as a big-time edge rusher.
Over his career, Phillips has 28 sacks and has proven he can pressure quarterbacks consistently.
Spotrac projects his market value at roughly $17.3 million per year. That places him below the very top tier of pass rushers but still firmly in the premium range.
For a Bears team that finished with just 35 sacks last season and ranked in the bottom ten in both points and yards allowed, pass rush is a glaring need this offseason.
Chicago has Montez Sweat, Austin Booker and several injured contributors returning. However, adding another proven edge presence would raise the ceiling of the defense.
Phillips Provides a More Realistic Path for the Bears
The Bears have been loosely connected to bigger names such as Trey Hendrickson in free agency and Maxx Crosby via trade.
However, Hendrickson could command north of $30 million annually, while any Crosby deal would require significant draft capital and cap maneuvering.
For a Bears team projected to be roughly $4 to $5 million over the 2026 salary cap, Phillips represents a different kind of swing.
He is younger than Hendrickson, cheaper on an annual basis and would not cost multiple first-round picks the way a Crosby trade would.
His timeline also aligns more cleanly with Caleb Williams’ rookie contract window and Sweat’s prime years.
Poles emphasized flexibility at the Combine and acknowledged that opportunities have to “come together.”
If the Eagles truly allow Phillips to test the market, the Bears could view him as the sweet spot between a blockbuster splash and a short-term bridge.
This free agent class is thin on true difference makers. There are only a handful of edge rushers who can change games, and Phillips is one of them. If the price stays below the elite tier, Chicago may see him as the right balance of impact and value.
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That could be the pivot that makes the most sense for the Bears this offseason.