The NFL trade rumor mill is buzzing with a potential blockbuster: the Miami Dolphins might be ready to part ways with defensive standout Jaelan Phillips, and the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly in the mix. Selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Phillips, a former Miami Hurricanes star, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. However, limited playing time over the past two seasons and the Dolphins’ recent acquisition of Matthew Judon have sparked speculation that Miami could be open to trading Phillips for draft capital to bolster their future roster.
While the Eagles boast one of the league’s deepest linebacker corps—featuring talents like Nolan Smith Jr., Zack Baun, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, Jalyx Hunt, and rookie Jihaad Campbell—the idea of adding Phillips as an upgrade over Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has surfaced. Yet, with the 2025 regular season looming, Philadelphia’s need for another linebacker seems questionable. Still, the Dolphins’ lackluster outlook might push them to move Phillips, opening the door for other teams to pounce. Here are four franchises that could make a compelling case to land the talented linebacker.
Best Fits for Jaelan Phillips
Dallas Cowboys: Bolstering the Linebacker Corps
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to linebacker drama, with Micah Parsons’ offseason saga stealing headlines. Despite this, Dallas is quietly building a promising unit, blending fresh faces like Jack Sanborn with recent trade acquisition Kenneth Murray Jr. However, their depth chart reveals a glaring issue: Sanborn is the lone starter at middle linebacker, a risky proposition for a player adapting to a new system.
Enter Jaelan Phillips. He doesn’t need to be the star of the show but could thrive as a disruptive force in the middle, unsettling opposing quarterbacks’ aerial attacks. This would allow Sanborn to focus on powering through blocks, reminiscent of former Cowboy Sean Lee’s hard-hitting style. Phillips could be the missing piece to solidify Dallas’ defense.
Kansas City Chiefs: Seeking a Defensive Spark
The Kansas City Chiefs made a splash last year by trading for Joshua Uche to shore up their linebacker unit alongside Nick Bolton. Yet, the move fell short of expectations. While Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal are reliable, they lack the game-changing spark needed to elevate the group. Bolton remains the standout, capable of shifting momentum single-handedly, but the Chiefs need more firepower.
Phillips may not be a perfect fix, but his potential to disrupt plays could give Kansas City’s defense the boost it desperately needs. With their sights set on another Super Bowl run, the Chiefs could see Phillips as a low-risk, high-reward addition.
New Orleans Saints: Filling a Critical Gap
The New Orleans Saints are reeling from the loss of Willie Gay Jr., and their linebacker depth has taken a hit. While Chase Young, DeMario Davis, and Pete Werner form an explosive trio, Carl Granderson’s supporting cast leaves much to be desired. Without reliable depth behind him, the Saints’ defense risks crumbling under pressure.
Phillips could step in as a versatile and immediate solution, providing the depth and playmaking ability New Orleans lacks. A trade for Phillips could stabilize their defense and keep them competitive in a tough NFC South.
Carolina Panthers: Rebuilding with Veteran Presence
The Carolina Panthers are in desperate need of linebacker depth after parting ways with veterans Jadeveon Clowney and Josey Jewell. While rookies Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton show promise, the unit lacks experience. Phillips, with his proven talent and NFL experience, could serve as a temporary veteran anchor to steady the ship.
His addition would not only bolster the Panthers’ defense but also provide mentorship for their young core, offering an upgrade to a unit in transition.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the potential trade of Jaelan Phillips could send shockwaves through the league. While the Eagles may be an intriguing destination, their stacked linebacker room makes the move less likely. Meanwhile, teams like the Cowboys, Chiefs, Saints, and Panthers are poised to capitalize on Miami’s willingness to deal. With Phillips’ contract nearing its end and the Dolphins eyeing draft capital, the stage is set for a trade that could reshape multiple defenses. Which team will seize the opportunity to land this dynamic playmaker? The NFL world is watching.