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The Patriots are predicted to target Jaelan Phillips in free agency
For the Miami Dolphins, the 2021 NFL Draft seemed to be the infusion of talent they needed in order to achieve long-term success. The Dolphins had three picks inside the top 40 and selected Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips and Jevon Holland. All three had strong rookie seasons and were poised to be building blocks for the Dolphins organization. However, only one of those players received a contract past his rookie deal.
Holland struggled in the 2024 season, which prompted the Dolphins to allow him to test free agency. Holland was originally viewed as Minkah Fitzpatrick’s replacement at safety, but prior to the 2025 season the Dolphins brought back Fitzpatrick to replace Holland. Phillips was supposed to be the next great Dolphins pass rusher, but that never materialized and Miami traded him for a third-round pick as he was set to hit free agency after the season.
Now, after half a season with the Eagles, Phillips is set to be a free agent. And it seems he might land with a bitter rival.
Patriots Predicted to Target Former Miami Dolphins Player
Despite reaching the Super Bowl, the Patriots roster is not one that overwhelms teams with talent. They have solid depth seemingly everywhere, but it does seem like their Super Bowl run occurred perhaps one year ahead of schedule. Their top pass rusher this year was Harold Landry, who totaled 8.5 sacks in 15 games for New England. Next up was K’Lavon Chaisson, who finished with 7.5 sacks, but he is set to be a free agent.
For that reason, Pro Football Focus predicted the Patriots would go after Phillips. They wrote, “The Patriots’ spending spree last offseason has already yielded humongous dividends, helping the team get back to the Super Bowl much quicker than expected. New England has another chunk of change to utilize this spring, with edge rusher an area to target.
Phillips has been good when on the field, owning an 80.9 overall PFF grade across his injury-riddled five-year career. He stayed healthy in 2025, playing 871 snaps between the Dolphins and Eagles — and the results were encouraging with a 76.2 PFF pass-rush grade and 31 stops. The 26-year-old could assist a room that placed 29th in pass-rush grade at the position, and where K’Lavon Chaisson will be a free agent.”
Patriots Targeted Jaelan Phillips in 2025
This would not be the first time the Patriots have had their eyes set on Phillips, as The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Patriots showed interest in the Dolphins pass rusher at the 2025 trade deadline. Ultimately, the Dolphins accepted the Eagles’ offer for a third-round pick.
Phillips will be somewhat of a polarizing free agent, as the talent that made him a first-round pick is still there. However, his injury history may prevent teams from signing him to a big contract. He suffered season-ending injuries in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, despite grading well by PFF in the 2025 season, his sack production was not the same as it was pre-injury. His five sacks in 17 games marked the fewest of any season in which Phillips has played at least eight games.
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
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