Miami Dolphins Trade Jaelan Phillips to Philadelphia Eagles

The Miami Dolphins have made a significant move by trading linebacker Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. This trade comes as the Dolphins, currently sitting at 2-7, seem to be reevaluating their roster following the departure of former general manager Chris Grier.

Details of the Trade

As part of the trade agreement, it's been clarified that the third-round pick belongs to the Eagles, who also possess the New York Jets' third-round selection. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Miami will be covering a portion of Phillips' salary for 2025, with the prorated amount exceeding $6.6 million for the remainder of the season. Phillips' rookie contract included a fifth-year option valued at $13.3 million.

Phillips' NFL Journey

Phillips has been a notable figure leading up to the trade deadline, as his future in Miami seemed uncertain given his struggles with injuries in recent seasons. Drafted as the No. 18 overall pick in 2021, Phillips initially showcased great potential with 15.5 sacks across his first two years. However, injuries—including a torn Achilles and a partially torn ACL—restricted his appearances to just 12 games over the past two seasons.

Impact on the Eagles

The Eagles, under the management of general manager Howie Roseman, are looking to bolster their roster in pursuit of a second consecutive Super Bowl title. Bringing in Phillips adds depth to their defense, especially with a strong supporting cast that could help him regain form. While his production this season includes three sacks and 25 total tackles, questions remain about how much the previous injuries have impacted his performance.

Future Considerations

For the Dolphins, interim GM Champ Kelly's decision to trade Phillips for a third-round pick is seen as a savvy move given the linebacker’s uncertain status as he approaches free agency. As Miami prepares for a potential roster overhaul, this trade allows them to recoup some value for a player whose future may not have aligned with the team's long-term goals.