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18 hours ago
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The Philadelphia Eagles made one of the best moves in the league at the 2025 trade deadline by acquiring the veteran pass rusher, Jaelan Phillips.
After they picked up the former Miami Dolphins defensive end, the Eagles saw Phillips have an immediate impact on the defense. He was disruptive in every way.
Here’s the issue: the Eagles got him on a short-term contract. He was playing on a four-year deal, with his club option already kicked in. The Eagles parted ways with a 2026 third-round pick, knowing they could be getting a half-season rental.
Should the Eagles Make a Major Offer?
The Eagles aren’t strangers to losing defensive linemen to the open market. After winning the Super Bowl in 2025, the Eagles couldn’t pay everybody who had an impact, resulting in some key names picking up massive deals outside of Philadelphia.
There was no Super Bowl victory this time around, but Phillips played himself into a healthy deal. The edge rusher’s eventual contract demands will depend on his market. There is a world where the Eagles get priced out, especially when they have several young players they know they have to pay in the coming years.
If the offer has to be major, then the Eagles might just have to accept reality and move on. But if the Eagles truly want more time explore life with Phillips up front, without committing to multiple seasons, he could be a franchise tag candidate.
The Cost of the Tag
Bleacher Report recently listed six players who could be logical franchise tag candidates. Phillips was noted.
“Phillips is entering the prime of his career and has no shortage of potential. But he also has a fairly extensive injury history—one that makes signing the five-year veteran to a long-term deal something of a risky proposition. The projected franchise tag for defensive ends isn't cheap--$26.6 million. The Eagles are also short on cap space, with $10.4 million in wiggle room.”
When it comes to Phillips’ wants for next season, the Eagles check the boxes.
“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 post-season media scrum.
But it will ultimately come down to the money. This is Phillips’ first run in free agency, and he shouldn’t be interested in taking any discounts. If the Eagles get desperate, the tag might be a logical choice.
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