Eagles Land Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips from Dolphins in Major NFL Trade: Full Biography, Career Timeline and Analysis
The Philadelphia Eagles have made another splash ahead of the NFL trade deadline, acquiring edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. The move, first reported by multiple outlets, gives the defending Super Bowl champions one of the league’s most talented young pass rushers — and reunites Phillips with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who coached him in Miami.
Eagles Land Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips – Trade Details
The Miami Dolphins agreed to trade Jaelan Phillips, 26, to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 third-round pick, with Miami covering a portion of Phillips’ pro-rated $13.25 million salary to complete the deal.
The Eagles, led by General Manager Howie Roseman, have already been active this trade season. They recently acquired cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II, adding depth to their secondary. The addition of Phillips, however, directly addresses one of their biggest weaknesses — a pass rush that has managed just 16 sacks in eight games.
Philadelphia still retains the Jets’ 2026 third-round pick from last year’s Haason Reddick trade, ensuring future flexibility even after this high-profile move.
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Why Jaelan Phillips Is a Perfect Fit for Philadelphi
Phillips’ connection to Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio makes this trade particularly strategic. Fangio coached him during the 2023 season in Miami, where Phillips recorded 6.5 sacks in eight games before suffering a torn Achilles. His familiarity with Fangio’s system and proven productivity under his guidance made him an ideal target for the Eagles.
This season, Phillips has shown signs of returning to form, recording three sacks and 20 quarterback pressures over his last five games, according to Next Gen Stats. His size (6’5½”, 260 lbs), athleticism, and quick burst off the line make him a disruptive presence capable of changing games.
Veteran Brandon Graham, who came out of retirement to help the Eagles’ defense earlier this season, will now share the field with Phillips — creating one of the most formidable front-line rotations in the NFC.
🦅 Eagles Continue to Build a Championship Defense
The addition of Phillips follows a pattern for Philadelphia: aggressive, smart moves that bolster both talent and depth. With Jaire Alexander, Michael Carter II, and now Jaelan Phillips, the Eagles have reinforced every level of their defense as they aim for another Super Bowl run.
This trade not only strengthens their defensive front but also signals a continued commitment to long-term success, blending veteran leadership with rising stars.
🐬 Dolphins’ Perspective
On the other side, the Miami Dolphins appear to be embracing a rebuilding phase. After parting ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier, interim GM Champ Kelly is reshaping a 2–7 team.
By trading Phillips — along with potentially shopping other veterans like Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon — the Dolphins are accumulating draft capital to reset their roster and future salary structure.
Given Phillips’ recent injury history (two consecutive season-ending injuries in 2023 and 2024), Miami may have opted to capitalize on his value now, while his performance and market interest remain strong.
49ers, Patriots, and Others Miss Out
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, both the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots were in discussions with Miami before the Eagles finalized the deal.
The 49ers, already thin on the defensive line following Mykel Williams’ injury, were looking for another edge presence after acquiring Keion White last week.
While missing out on Phillips is a blow, the Niners may still explore other targets, including Jets pass rushers or Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, who is reportedly available after Cincinnati’s 3–6 start.
Who Is Jaelan Phillips?
Jaelan Everett Phillips was born on May 28, 1999, in Redlands, California. A standout athlete at Redlands East Valley High School, he finished his prep career with 264 tackles, 31.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions.
He was rated as one of the nation’s top high school recruits — earning five-star ratings from Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN. In 2016, he committed to UCLA, where his promising football journey began.
College Journey: From UCLA to Miami (and Music Production)
Phillips joined the UCLA Bruins in 2017, making an immediate impact as a true freshman with 21 tackles and 3.5 sacks in seven games. However, his sophomore season was cut short by a concussion and multiple injuries.
After being struck by a car while riding a moped, Phillips medically retired from football in 2018 and shifted his focus to music production at the Los Angeles City College.
In 2019, he transferred to the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, reigniting both his musical ambitions and his football career with the Miami Hurricanes.
He returned to the field in 2020 and dominated with 45 tackles, 8 sacks, and an interception, earning Second-Team All-American and All-ACC honors, as well as recognition as a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.
His comeback season solidified his status as a top NFL prospect, leading him to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
NFL Career Timeline and Achievements
| Year | Team | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Miami Dolphins | Drafted 18th overall in Round 1; recorded 8.5 sacks and 42 tackles; named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. |
| 2022 | Miami Dolphins | Tallied 7 sacks, 61 tackles, and a forced fumble in a breakout sophomore season. |
| 2023 | Miami Dolphins | Coached by Vic Fangio; posted 6.5 sacks in 8 games before suffering a torn Achilles. |
| 2024 | Miami Dolphins | Placed on PUP list, then suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. |
| 2025 | Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Eagles; expected to play a key role in Fangio’s defense as the team defends its Super Bowl title. |
Pre-Draft Measurables (2021 Pro Day)
- Height: 6 ft 5½ in (1.97 m)
- Weight: 260 lb (118 kg)
- 40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds
- Vertical jump: 36 in
- Broad jump: 10 ft 5 in
- Bench press: 21 reps
Phillips was widely praised during the draft process for his athleticism, explosiveness, and refined technique, making him one of the most complete edge prospects of his class.
Conclusion
By acquiring Jaelan Phillips, the Philadelphia Eagles have not only improved their defensive front but have also sent a clear message to the rest of the NFL — they are all-in for another championship run.
For Phillips, this trade marks the next chapter in a career defined by resilience, talent, and determination. Reunited with Vic Fangio and surrounded by elite defensive teammates, he now has the opportunity to fulfill the immense potential that made him a first-round pick back in 2021.
