Given his athletic profile and skill set, Phillips has the kind of upside that could make the hired gun a home run in Philly. The fifth-year pro brings some pop to an edge rotation that hasn’t found consistent pop. Jalyx Hunt has produced pressure but has just one sack. Retired Za’Darius Smith still leads Eagles edge rushers with 1.5 sacks.
Philly has especially struggled to get pressure when Jalen Carter is out of the lineup. Adding Phillips to the mix gives the Eagles a point guard who can win one-on-one.
The former first-round pick is in the final year of his rookie deal, making him a logical trade candidate for the Dolphins. Before GM Chris Grier was fired last week, there was talk that Miami had resisted moving any of its brands. Days after taking over, interim CEO Champ Kelly has already hit the ground running. The question is whether that will be the only move Miami makes, with teams calling on several of their players, including Bradley Chubb and Jaylen Waddle.
For a team in need of a radical overhaul, getting a third-rounder for a player they didn’t seem likely to re-draft is great compensation. Given Phillips’ injury history, it’s somewhat surprising that the Dolphins received a third-rounder, but it likely speaks to the competition in the trade market, where many teams need help on offense.
The replacement selection formula probably came into play for both teams. The most Miami could have gotten if they let Phillips walk was a third round pick. If he’s just a rental for Philadelphia, then whoever is on the field elsewhere in the offseason could make Roseman a pick.
Miami now has three third-round picks in 2026. With holes to fill throughout the roster, this pick could be huge for a quick rebuild.
Even trading away a third-round pick, Philly is still projected to have 11 draft picks, including two third-rounders (one projected replacement pick for losing Milton Williams to New England).