Once Jaelan Phillips arrived on the scene, his thunderous impact vaulted the Philadelphia Eagles' defense to a new level.
Brought in via the trade with the Miami Dolphins, a somewhat limited edge unit became a resounding team strength, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's group thrived with the addition of his relentless pash-rushing presence.
But alas, free agency is here, and Phillips is free to head anywhere he so desires. And with several valuable defenders, including Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship, also no longer under contract, the ability to retain the services of Phillips is in serious jeopardy.
Eagles could look at franchise tag for Jaelan Phillips
Per Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker, Phillips is a candidate for consideration in deploying the franchise tag:
"Phillips’ situation eerily mirrors Oweh’s in Los Angeles. After arriving in Philadelphia after Week 9, Phillips made an instant impact on the Eagles’ front by producing a 77.1 overall PFF grade and a 17.8% pass-rush win rate."
But here's where it gets dicey. Given Eagles general manager Howie Roseman's track record when it comes to the tag, Locker adds the following:
"The odds that Phillips would attain the franchise tag given his injury history are slimmer, plus that general manager Howie Roseman has deployed it only one time since 2010. But the 26-year-old Phillips, the 14th-best player on the market, would be a difficult loss for Philadelphia if he leaves the building considering the team’s need at edge rusher."
It's a tough territory for a general manager to navigate, but for Roseman, the longtime Eagles GM has certainly been around the block in such scenarios.
The franchise tag would keep Phillips in Philadelphia this coming season - in what might be Vic Fangio's swan song - but the price might be too steep given the team's cap situation and other integral free agents. Roseman, who hasn't used the tag since 2012 with DeSean Jackson, is not one to go that route much at all. Furthermore, soon enough, other vital pieces, including Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean, will need to be secured long-term as well.
Sure, the franchise tag is a possibility, but it appears to be a long shot. Ideally, a new contract can be reached. In the case of Phillips, it would have to be a relatively team-friendly deal. And for a player in his prime offering impact at a premium position, the ability to command top money on the open market is all but assured.
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Meanwhile, when it comes to front-office execs in professional sports, Roseman is as seasoned and savvy as it gets, yet the numbers in this instance could prove to be a tough match.
Business is never personal, and both parties at this table are well aware.