The Patriots had interested in Jaelan Phillips before the Dolphins traded him to the Eagles on Monday morning, according to Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal.
New England sent Keion White to the 49ers last week, likely because he did not fit in new head coach Mike Vrabel‘s vision for the defense. That raised the need for a third edge rusher behind Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson. Phillips would have fit the bill, but it seems that the Patriots were not willing to beat the Eagles’ offer. Miami also may have hesitated to trade Phillips within the division.
The Patriots have made a huge leap under Vrabel to start the 2025 season with a 7-2 record and a +68 point differential. They lead the AFC East with one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league, making them a contender not only for a divisional title, but a top playoff seed as well. That could inspire an aggressive trade-deadline investment in their pass rush to take advantage of an impressive season thus far. Upgrading a defense that has already excelled this year could mean even more if and when the Patriots play the AFC’s best offenses in the postseason.
Giardi also notes that Arden Key may make more sense for the amount of draft capital that the Patriots are willing to move. The Titans seem to be full-on sellers after firing Brian Callahan, and Key’s production has dipped enough for him to be a cheap acquisition. A trade to the Patriots would reunite Vrabel with another of his pass rushers from his time in Tennessee – the first being Landry.
Now that’s a HC who made the decision to trade one of his players based on him not “fitting” into his vision of what he thought his defense should be…..BRAVO HC Vrabel…..that’s what we’re missing on the Giants….a coach who takes responsibility and follows through on action to create the team he wants….
I would’ve loved for the Pats to pry him away, but definitely not for a 3rd! And the guy’s a rental!
Won’t the eagles get a comp pick for him if he leaves in FA at end of year. Its a good pickup if stays healty. Im glad you are not my GM.
Yes, but in 2027 (if that matters).
A 2025 3rd rounder for 8 games (plus playoffs) and a POSSIBLE 2027 comp pick?
By that logic, any average+ temp player is worth a 3rd rounder.
I’m not anybody’s GM. I’m a fan just like you.
Zero RB fumbles!! wow