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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 16: Jaelan Phillips #50 of the Philadelphia Eagles participates in warmups prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles may be headed toward a pivotal offseason decision, and ESPN just added fuel to the conversation.

In its 2026 NFL free agency preview, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz projected one signing for every team and paired the New England Patriots with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

Schatz pointed to New England’s need for pass rush help after finishing with just 35 sacks last season. He highlighted Phillips’ efficiency following his midseason trade to Philadelphia.

“Phillips had two sacks and 27 pressures after he was traded to the Eagles from Miami at midseason,” Schatz wrote. “His 12.4% pass rush win rate ranked 24th among qualifying edge rushers. Phillips could replace free agent K’Lavon Chaisson and/or make a good partner for Harold Landry III.”

For Eagles fans, Schatz’s prediction is a troubling development.

Jaelan Phillips Thrived in Eagles’ Fangio Scheme

When Philadelphia acquired Phillips from the Dolphins during the 2025 season, the move was viewed as a calculated swing for a high-upside talent who had flashed premier ability but battled injuries.

Once inserted into Vic Fangio’s defense, Phillips delivered exactly what the Eagles hoped for.

Across eight games after the trade, including the postseason, he generated 34 quarterback pressures. Even when the sack numbers weren’t eye-popping, Phillips made his presence felt. His quick first step and ability to turn the corner gave the Eagles another real threat off the edge and added juice to the pass rush rotation.

At age 26, Phillips is entering what should be the prime of his career. He already has 28 career sacks and has proven he can produce when healthy.

That combination of age, pedigree and late-season impact makes him one of the top edge defenders set to hit the market.

Phillips’ Market Value Rising as Eagles Weigh Options

Early in the offseason, some projections suggested Phillips might command a shorter prove-it type contract because of past injury concerns. That does not appear to be the case anymore.

Bleacher Report recently projected his value as high as three years and 80 million dollars, putting him in the 20 to 22 million per year range. That type of number forces real decisions for Howie Roseman and the Eagles’ front office.

Sports Illustrated has reported the Eagles are expected to attempt to retain Phillips but may have a walkaway number if bidding climbs too high.

The edge rusher market is thin, which only increases his leverage. If he reaches open bidding, teams like New England could drive the price even higher.

It’s only an ESPN projection, but it highlights the situation Philadelphia is facing.

Phillips made a real impact down the stretch and could continue emerging as a star pass rusher under Fangio.

Now the question is whether the Eagles are willing to look past the injury history and pay what it takes to keep him, or if a team like the Patriots steps in with a stronger offer.

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