After losing Nolan Smith to an injury, the Philadelphia Eagles could bring in linebacker Jaelan Phillips in a trade to salvage their unit. Phillips continues to climb up the trade board, and it could be any week that the linebacker could land with a new team this season. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former UCLA and Miami product is in his final year of his contract and could get interest from several teams since the Miami Dolphins are 0-3. The losing record is making things easier for the Dolphins to move on and trade him for some draft capital.
However, it’s easy to understand why the Eagles might have an interest in him despite having one of the deepest linebacker rooms. With Azeez Ojulari, a name in the trade market, Philadelphia might be a seller even though they’ve been buying. If they trade Ojulari, the stakes could be higher, and Phillips could find his role between Za’Darius Smith, Zach Baun, Jihaad Campbell and Jalyx Hunt. Either way, Phillips should be able to get interest from teams, and the Eagles won’t be the only team chasing him.
At age 26, he is a healthy scratch after recording 22 sacks over the past three campaigns, even though he has yet to make an impact this year alone.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Eagles, Dolphins Could Connect in Blockbuster Jaelan Phillips Trade
Other Possible Suitors
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys might have a secondary issue on their hands, but they can’t ignore upgrading the linebacker room. After signing Jack Sanborn earlier this offseason, he hasn’t been living up to the expectations that the Cowboys had hoped for. The same can be said about Dante Fowler Jr., and it feels like the defensive heart just died when Micah Parsons got traded to Green Bay. There could be help on the way for the cornerback room, but they have to do something about this pass-rush.
Despite signing Jadeveon Clowney to give them some type of edge, they must make a massive trade. Jerry Jones doesn’t even need to trade away a first-round pick to get Phillips. If the Cowboys acquire him, he could help Sanborn in situational moments and eventually move into a starting role.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers have one of the deepest linebacker units in the league. After losing Khalil Mack to an injury, it was sort of odd that they added a defensive end, Clelin Ferrell, instead of another linebacker to possibly help fend off the loss of Mack. However, it’s understood in a sense as they have plenty of talent and depth between Troy Dye, Bud Dupree and more. Despite that, the Chargers should still throw down the jackhammer while they have the utmost momentum at 3-0 and get Phillips in the same defensive unit.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs need some new life, whether that’s on offense and defense. At 1-2, it feels like the Chiefs’ aura is dying slowly. Even though they re-signed Nick Bolton, they’re still in need of linebacker help, at least depth to assist Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal. Phillips might not get the starting spot immediately, but he’s a viable threat to strengthen this Chiefs defense.