The Philadelphia Eagles made one of the more savvy moves at the 2025 trade deadline, landing veteran edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins. It was a calculated swing-one that paid immediate dividends on the field.
Phillips didn’t just show up; he showed out. He brought juice to the pass rush, disrupted opposing quarterbacks, and gave the Eagles’ front seven a jolt of energy right when they needed it most.
But here’s where things get tricky: the Eagles knew when they made the deal that this wasn’t a long-term commitment. Phillips was already playing on the final year of his rookie contract, with the fifth-year option in play. Philly gave up a 2026 third-round pick to get him, fully aware that this might be a half-season rental.
Now comes the real decision-do the Eagles double down and make a serious offer to keep him around?
A Familiar Dilemma in Philly
This isn’t new territory for the Eagles. After their Super Bowl win in 2025, they faced the harsh reality of a championship roster: you can’t pay everyone.
Several key contributors cashed in elsewhere, and the front office had to make some tough calls. This offseason feels similar, only without the Lombardi Trophy in hand.
Phillips, thanks to his strong finish to the season, is in line for a sizable payday. He’s entering his prime, he’s shown he can be a game-changer, and he’ll have no shortage of suitors once the market opens.
The Eagles, meanwhile, have a roster full of young talent they’ll need to pay in the near future. That’s the balancing act-reward a proven veteran or preserve cap space for the future?
If the bidding war gets too steep, Philly might have to walk away. But if they’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, there’s another option on the table: the franchise tag.
The Franchise Tag: A Pricey but Practical Option
Tagging Phillips would give the Eagles one more season to see how he fits into their long-term plans-without committing to a multi-year deal. But it won’t come cheap.
The projected franchise tag number for defensive ends sits at $26.6 million. That’s a hefty chunk of change, especially for a team working with just $10.4 million in current cap space.
There’s also the injury history to consider. Phillips has had his share of setbacks over the years, and while he looked healthy and explosive down the stretch, committing big money over multiple seasons comes with risk. The tag, in that sense, could be a compromise-keep the player, delay the long-term decision.
It’s worth noting that Phillips has made it clear what he’s looking for as he heads into his first taste of free agency: a competitive team and a strong locker room culture.
“I want to be on a competitive team and part of an environment where I love the guys I'm around and love the organization I'm playing for. I feel that here. So, we'll see,” Phillips said during his postseason media availability.
He likes Philly. That much is obvious. But liking the organization and signing a long-term deal are two different things-especially when the money starts talking.
What’s Next?
The Eagles are staring down a classic offseason crossroads. They’ve seen what Phillips can bring to their defense, and they know how rare it is to find a true difference-maker off the edge.
But they also know the cost-and it’s not just financial. Every dollar spent on Phillips is a dollar not spent elsewhere, and with young talent waiting in the wings, the front office has to think big picture.
Still, if they believe Phillips is the kind of player who can tilt the field, the tag might be worth it. It buys them time.
It keeps their pass rush dangerous. And it sends a message that they’re still in win-now mode.
The clock’s ticking. The Eagles made a bold move at the deadline. Now comes the even bigger decision-what to do next.