When Jaelan Phillips joined the Philadelphia Eagles, his explosive presence transformed the defense into a formidable force. Acquired from the Miami Dolphins, Phillips bolstered an edge unit that quickly became a team strength under the guidance of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Now, with free agency upon us, Phillips is free to explore opportunities elsewhere. The Eagles face a challenging offseason with key defenders like Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship also out of contract, making Phillips' retention uncertain.
There's talk of using the franchise tag to keep Phillips in Philadelphia. According to Pro Football Focus, Phillips is a strong candidate for the tag, having made a significant impact since his arrival. He posted a 77.1 overall PFF grade and a 17.8% pass-rush win rate, numbers that underscore his value.
However, the situation is complex. General Manager Howie Roseman has rarely used the franchise tag, only deploying it once since 2010.
Given Phillips' injury history and the team's cap constraints, tagging him might be unlikely. Phillips, ranked as the 14th-best player on the market, would be a significant loss if he leaves, especially considering the Eagles' need for a top-tier edge rusher.
The franchise tag would ensure Phillips stays for another season, potentially aligning with what could be Fangio's final year. Yet, the financial implications are daunting, with other key players like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis needing long-term deals.
While tagging Phillips is an option, a new contract is preferable. Ideally, it would be a team-friendly deal, but Phillips is in his prime at a premium position, and he's likely to command top dollar on the open market.
Navigating these waters is familiar territory for Roseman, one of the most experienced executives in the league. Yet, balancing the financials in this scenario could prove to be a formidable challenge.