The Miami Dolphins might be willing to trade one of their defensive playmakers, Jaelan Phillips, to the Philadelphia Eagles in a recent proposal. According to one report, a source made a proposal that would send Phillips to the Eagles in a trade due to his contract with the Dolphins. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Miami product is entering the final year of his deal, barely getting any playing time for the past two seasons. After signing Matthew Judon this offseason, the Dolphins might be willing to consider putting Phillips on the trade at least to garner some potential late draft pick offers to build some potential capital.
The trade itself to the Eagles wouldn’t make sense as the team has one of the deepest linebacker units between Nolan Smith Jr., Zack Baun, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, Jalyx Hunt and recent draft pick Jihaad Campbell. Unless they’re looking for an upgrade in Jeremiah Trotter Jr., there is no guarantee the Eagles would be open to trading for a linebacker, especially this late before the 2025 regular season. Despite that, no one should doubt that the Dolphins could trade Phillips since Miami doesn’t look like a winning team either way. Here are four teams that might take a chance on the linebacker in a possible scenario.
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Jul 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) works out during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Best Fits
Dallas Cowboys
Despite the Micah Parsons drama this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are building a somewhat promising linebacker unit, salvaging new talent with the old. The team signed Jack Sanborn and traded for Kenneth Murray Jr. The Cowboys could still use some depth. According to the Cowboys’ depth chart, Sanborn is the lone starter at middle linebacker, which is troubling for someone adjusting to a new scenery in Dallas.
Phillips doesn’t need to be the best linebacker out, but be a solid contributor down the middle to disrupt the aerial attack of the opposing quarterback in some way, while Sanborn can focus on ramming through the blocks similar to what former Cowboy Sean Lee did in some situations.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs got Joshua Uche in a trade last year to salvage the linebacker unit for Nick Bolton. However, it didn’t live up to the Chiefs’ expectations. The trade is proof that Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal are solid, but not enough to make a huge impact down the stretch. Bolton is the only exploding linebacker out there to change the momentum within the game. Phillips isn’t the best solution, but at this rate, they could use anybody to potentially strengthen the unit.
New Orleans Saints
After losing Willie Gay Jr., the New Orleans Saints have not found a replacement through free agency, so they might need to pull off a trade. Chase Young, DeMario Davis and Pete Werner are all exploding linebackers, but the same can’t be said about Carl Granderson. There’s no depth behind him, so Phillips could fill the much-needed hole.
Carolina Panthers
Similar to the Saints, the Carolina Panthers are in dire need of depth. While they did draft Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton, they did release veteran Jadeveon Clowney and Josey Jewell. Phillips could be a temporary veteran depth fill and upgrade this depleted unit.