The Philadelphia Eagles have a history of being cautious with their franchise tag, having last used it on wide receiver DeSean Jackson back in 2012. But this offseason, things might take a different turn.
Jaelan Phillips has emerged as a strong candidate for the Eagles' franchise tag, according to Bradley Locker from Pro Football Focus. The Eagles are one of just ten teams with a potential tag candidate, highlighting how rare this move is across the league. In recent years, only a handful of players have been tagged-just two in 2025 and nine in 2024.
Locker points out that while the odds are slim due to Phillips' injury history and the Eagles’ sparing use of the tag under general manager Howie Roseman, Phillips is a significant asset. At 26, he's ranked as the 14th-best player on the market and losing him could leave a gap in Philadelphia’s edge-rushing capabilities.
The rationale for tagging Phillips is straightforward. If the Eagles are hesitant about a long-term contract but want to retain his skills for another season, the franchise tag becomes a strategic option. After all, they invested a third-round pick to acquire him in November, and letting him walk in free agency without compensation would be a tough pill to swallow.
Of course, players typically aren't thrilled about being tagged, as it limits their ability to secure long-term deals. An injury under the tag could severely affect future earnings. Yet, the business side of football allows the Eagles to use this tool if necessary.
There's also the possibility that the Eagles could tag Phillips and still negotiate a long-term agreement, much like they did with Jackson in 2012. As free agency looms, Phillips' situation is definitely one to watch for Eagles fans.