After a tough loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60, the New England Patriots are gearing up to strengthen their roster for next season. With free agency and the 2026 NFL draft on the horizon, one key area they'll focus on is the edge rusher position. This past season, K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry III exceeded expectations, delivering standout performances that helped the team reach the big game.
Chaisson had a breakout year, posting career-highs with 23 pressures, 18 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. Landry was right there with him, recording 23 QB pressures, 19 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, even while dealing with a late-season knee injury. However, with Chaisson entering free agency, the Patriots might need to find a replacement if he receives a lucrative offer elsewhere.
Enter Jaelan Phillips, a former Miami Dolphins standout who could be the perfect fit for New England’s pass rush. Phillips, who spent over five seasons with the Dolphins, was known for his disruptive play despite battling injuries. His track record includes 61 quarterback hits, 28 tackles for loss, and 26 sacks, making him a formidable presence on the field.
The Patriots had their eyes on Phillips before last season’s trade deadline, but the Dolphins opted to send him to the Philadelphia Eagles instead. In Philadelphia, Phillips had a modest impact with 17 QB pressures, seven QB hits, four pass deflections, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble over eight games.
Now, as Phillips enters free agency, his market value is projected at a three-year, $52 million deal. The Eagles might find this price tag steep given their limited cap space, but the Patriots, with an estimated $40.5 million in cap room, are well-positioned to make a competitive offer.
The Patriots have shown they’re willing to invest heavily in their defense, and bringing Phillips on board could be another savvy move to bolster their pass rush. With the right tweaks and a potential big splash in free agency, New England could set themselves up for another deep playoff run.