Howie Roseman's best move as general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles last season was no doubt trading for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips with the Miami Dolphins, which completely changed the course of the 2025 campaign for the defense.
Phillips was disruptive in the backfield and helped one of the worst pass-rushing teams become one of the best by the time the Eagles made the playoffs. Still, now a free agent and looking at landing a $15-17 million per year deal, Roseman will have to find a way to re-sign him back onto the team if they can even get him. ESPNÂ NFL writer Matt Bowen named his top 50 free agents for the 2026 offseason, with Phillips coming in at No. 5, with his best fit, of course, being the Eagles.
"Phillips was traded to the Eagles at the deadline, and they can try to re-sign him. With his 6-foot-5 frame and improved range in coordinator Vic Fangio's defense, Phillips could continue to play as a disruptive pass rusher who can also set an edge to the run front. Over his five-year career, Phillips has accounted for 28 sacks and 150 pressures."
Jaelan Phillips is a perfect fit to stay in Philly
Last season, he finished in the top 10 in pressures (73) and hurries (57) while adding 11 quarterback hits and five sacks with the Dolphins and Eagles. His impact helped the Eagles when Nolan Smith Jr. was recovering from injury, and two other edge rushers were out.
There will be a bidding war for Phillips, as he's widely regarded as one of the top free agents available. The Eagles would love to have him back because he is a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's defense, with the veteran coach having high respect for Phillips from their time together with the Dolphins.
Philly has some solid young options at edge rusher with Smith and Jalyx Hunt, but the unit in general did not play consistently enough to create sacks, so Phillips is essentially in charge of making that happen. Even if he's not the one getting the sacks, his play is helping others have easier times sacking the quarterback.
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Roseman must do everything he can to get Phillips back on the roster for the 2026 season, since this offseason will be busy with so many changes.