MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins on Monday traded EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 third-round draft pick, head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed.
The move reunites Phillips with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who held the same role in Miami during the 2023 season. Fangio helped develop Phillips into one of the league’s most explosive young pass rushers before injuries slowed his progress.
A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Phillips made an immediate impact in Miami, setting a franchise rookie record with 8.5 sacks.
He followed that up with seven more in 2022 and was on pace for a breakout 2023 season before suffering an Achilles tear on Black Friday. He returned last year but tore his ACL early in the season.
Despite the setbacks, Phillips remained a key defensive piece for the Dolphins, totaling 26 sacks and one forced fumble in 55 career games. He also ranked among the league’s top pass rushers in efficiency — eighth in pass rush win rate and 12th in pressure rate among linebackers this year, according to ESPN.
Miami had exercised Phillips’ fifth-year option, showing faith in his long-term potential.
But at 2-7 and coming off the split with longtime general manager Chris Grier, the Dolphins appear focused on the future.
The team is reportedly exploring additional trades involving Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon as part of a broader roster overhaul.
For the Eagles, the deal strengthens a defense that has struggled to generate pressure, producing just 16 sacks through eight games.
It’s also part of an aggressive push ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline — one that’s already included the acquisitions of cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter ll.
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