Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is always staying busy to make the roster better, but his best trade of the season might have helped the team from completely collapsing during the regular season.
A midseason trade for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips changed how the defense played in Philly, as they instantly went from one of the worst pass-rushing defensive units to one of the best. Phillips posted 41 pressures, 32 hurries, seven quarterback hits, and two sacks in eight regular season games with the Eagles.
One day after a highly disappointing 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card game, Phillips was asked about his future with the Eagles. While he's got some decisions to make with his family, Phillips seems clear on where he wants to play in 2026.
"Obviously, I got a family now, and we've got a kid on the way," Phillips said via SportsRadio 94 WIP's Eliot Shorr-Parks. "So gotta think about that, but also I want to be on a competitive team and in an environment where I love the guys around and love the organization that I'm playing for. So, I feel that here so we'll see."
Howie Roseman should have an easy decision to make with Jaelan Phillips
The numbers speak for themselves. Phillips has been an impact player for the Eagles and has proved to be able to stay healthy throughout the season.
Philly might be losing some other key defenders to free agency, including linebacker Nakobe Dean, safety Reed Blankenship, and defensive lineman Brandon Graham. The question is whether the Eagles can find someone in the draft or free agency who would be better than Phillips.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is a clear supporter of Phillips, as he was the one who went to Roseman to tell him to make the trade. Phillips just fits perfectly in Fangio's scheme and works well with the other players.
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Ultimately, money talks and for both sides, that's going to be an important conversation to have. The Eagles hope to be on the right side of things and can get their top pass rusher back next year.