NFL trade prediction sees Lions and Dolphins reach deal before the deadline

The Miami Dolphins need to be sellers at the trade deadline, plain and simple.

Miami managed to pull out its second win of the 2025 campaign in Week 8, but that does not erase the total mess this team has been all season long.

If things keep going the way they did over the first seven weeks, major changes are needed and the Dolphins should push the rebuild button, which makes adding draft picks at the trade deadline crucial.

To kickstart their rebuild, The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer predicts the Dolphins will trade edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Detroit Lions.

"The Dolphins have a strong defensive overall asset to help them get more key draft capital for their rebuild. The Lions may not be able to give what it takes to make the Bengals move Hendrickson to them, but Phillips is a strong plan B to get that much needed experienced complementary pass rusher for Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson," Iyer wrote.

Why the Dolphins could trade Phillips

Phillips is still young enough (26) to be part of the Dolphins' long-term plans, but he is also in the final year of his contract, which makes him a clear trade candidate.

ESPN's Adam Schefter also believes there's a chance Phillips gets moved.

"I think the Miami Dolphins will move at least one of their pass-rushers, Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb," Schefter said on his podcast.

Why the Lions need Phillips

The Lions have done a better-than-expected job getting after the quarterback this season despite not having an ideal situation across from Aidan Hutchinson.

Through seven games, the Lions have tallied 23 sacks, which is tied for the fifth-most in the NFL. Hutchinson is responsible for six of those, while Al-Quadin Muhammad has added five.

However, the Lions are lacking depth with Marcus Davenport on injured reserve and are one injury away from disaster, and there's no telling if Muhammad can continue playing at the level he has.

Phillips would be exactly the kind of reinforcement the Lions need.

Granted, he only has two sacks this season, but he showed a ton of promise earlier in his career with 22 sacks over his first 42 games in the NFL before injuries derailed him for a few years.

Seeing as how Phillips is in his first year back from a torn ACL, it stands to reason he's going to get better as the year progresses. For now, his current production will help keep his price low, which could lead to him being a steal.

With a tight salary cap space situation the next few years, the Lions are not looking to make any big, long-term financial commitments. Phillips is perfect for that, also, as he's a free agent in 2026.

As long as the price is right, the Lions should be all over a trade for Phillips if he's available at the deadline.

NFL trade rumors

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• Broncos trade rumor could lead to deal with Ravens or Browns