Oct 26, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes under pressure from Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Different spelling, but the Philadelphia Eagles acquired a guy with a popular first name to be an impact player.
According to multiple reports, the Eagles sent a 2026 third round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
It's the third trade in a week made by wheeling-and-dealing Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman, who added cornerbacks Michael Carter for the New York Jets and Jaire Alexander from the Baltimore Ravens last week.
Phillips, 26, was a 2021 first round pick (No. 18 overall) by the Dolphins out of the University of Miami. He started his collegiate career at UCLA.
He burst on the scene through his first 2 1/2 years in the league, before being slowed by injuries.
He had 8.5 sacks and 42 tackles in his rookie season and followed that up with another seven sack season as a full-time starter in 2022.
He got off to a flying start in 2023 with 6.5 sacks in just eight games before his season was abruptly ended by a torn Achilles tendon.
Jaelan Phillips: one of the few players who can get by Lane Johnson. pic.twitter.com/5r4XHIV8Np
Interestingly enough, his defensive coordinator that year was current Eagles DC Vic Fangio.
He worked his way back for the 2024 season, but it was cut short after just four games with a knee injury.
Phillips, who is in the final year of his original five-year rookie contract, had just three sacks this season in nine games on a Miami team riddled in turmoil, after parting ways with their GM last week.
The Eagles were in need of an upgrade to their edge as they have struggled to put pressure on the quarterback, and hope Phillips can be a home run and return to his pre-injury form.
Reportedly, several other teams were interested in Phillips, including the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, but Roseman gave up a pretty substantial pick for Phillips.
Considering he gave up a 3rd rounder, it's likely the Eagles are interested in signing him to a contract extension in the offseason to be a part of the next few seasons in Philadelphia.
