Miami Dolphins
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Former Dolphins first round pick Jaelan Phillips is projected to earn $98 million in his next contract
The Miami Dolphins are undergoing a rebuild after back-to-back seasons of missing out on the postseason. Things appeared headed this way early into the 2025 season, as the team started out 1-6. That resulted in the team firing general manager Chris Grier during the season, while allowing head coach Mike McDaniel to finish out the season.
McDaniel did lead a turnaround as the team won six of its final nine games of the season, but that was not enough for owner Stephen Ross to retain him for the 2026 season. McDaniel also had to deal with the fact that, under interim general manager Champ Kelly, the team became sellers at the trade deadline. Despite not reaching a trade that would see the Dolphins part ways with De’Von Achane or Jaylen Waddle, the team did trade former 2021 first-round selection Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round pick.
Former Miami Dolphins’ Jaelan Phillips Projected Contract
Phillips was traded during the season, as he was set to be a free agent following the 2025 season. Despite the team’s losing record, Phillips remained an asset for the Dolphins as he had three sacks in his final five games in Miami. Now, Phillips is an unrestricted free agent and despite only totaling five sacks, he remains one of the most coveted pass rushers on the open market.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper ranked him as the No. 2 free agent available in the NFL and projected his future contract to be four years, $98 million. Popper wrote, “Phillips is a young, ascending edge rusher who finished fourth in pressure rate last season among players with at least 250 pass-rush snaps. He was traded from the Dolphins to the Eagles at the deadline for a third-round pick, and he had an immediate impact on the Philadelphia front.
Phillips is an explosive athlete with a violent play style. He has short-area burst as a rusher, particularly when he drives to the inside on swim moves. He is a physical edge setter in the run game who can dominate tight ends in one-on-one situations. Phillips also has real coverage ability, which can allow defensive coordinators to get creative with their blitz and simulated pressure calls.”
Jaelan Phillips’ Tenure in Miami
Unfortunately for the Miami Dolphins, Phillips’ time in Miami brought a lot of promise and hope, but did not produce the results many felt he was capable of. As Popper mentioned, Phillips is an explosive athlete with a promising skill set; however, a variety of factors prevented that from translating into a double-digit sack season
After a 2022 season in whichPro Football Focus graded him as the sixth-best edge rusher in the NFL, superstardom appeared to be on the horizon for Phillips in Miami. Injuries played a big role in that never materializing, as Phillips underwent season-ending injuries in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His 2023 season marked a shift in his Dolphins’ career, as despite totaling six sacks over his last five games, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in a win against the New York Jets. His 2024 season was also derailed, as despite making a quick recovery from his injury, he suffered a torn ACL after colliding with teammate Jordan Poyer.
Miami’s new front office, led by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, did not get a chance to decide on potentially extending Phillips before the trade. However, a reunion does not seem likely due to Miami’s cap situation and Phillips’ projected contract.