Patriots, Bengals named potential suitors for Eagles' key $75 million free agent

The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals both need more help along the edge this offseason.

In New England, K'Lavon Chaisson is a pending free agent after a career year that saw him post 7.5 sacks and there is no guarantee he'll return.

If he doesn't, the Patriots will need to add someone opposite Harold Landry, and the more proven, the better for the Super Bowl contender.

As for Cincinnati, Trey Hendrickson's days are numbered there after the team refused to pay him the money he deserves in recent years.

The only way Hendrickson stays is if the Bengals slap the franchise tag on him, but that would likely lead to a holdout.

In an article naming landing spots for some of the top pending free agents, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox named the Bengals and Patriots as possible suitors for Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

Knox projects a three-year, $75 million contract for Phillips:

In eight regular-season games with the Eagles, Phillips logged two sacks, 17 quarterback pressures, four tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His injury concerns won't simply disappear, but the 26-year-old will receive strong long-term offers.

Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots

As Knox notes, Phillips' career has been marred by multiple significant injuries, but he has been productive when on the field. Phillips posted five sacks in 17 games in 2025, which was his first year back from an ACL tear.

It's reasonable to think that Phillips, who posted 15.5 sacks over his first two years in the NFL, will only get better the further removed he is from said injury, and he's still just 26 years old.

The Eagles will look to keep Phillips given their own needs along the edge, but a competitive market could drive up Phillips' price past the point of what Philly is willing to pay.

If Phillips hits the open market, we would expect the Bengals and Patriots to be two of many teams to have interest.

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