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Tag: Jaelan Phillips

  • Beginning The Offseason – Combine To Free Agency – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    With the combine starting this week the Eagles will be getting another look at future prospects and players ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. 

    And while the draft doesn’t begin until April 23rd. The Eagles still have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks with over 20 free agents set to hit the market with less than two weeks until the legal tampering period(march 9th) and free agency(march 11th) open

    2026 Free Agents

    Below is a list of the 20 players the Eagles will need to make a decision on in the coming weeks:

    • TE Dallas Goedert
    • S Reed Blankenship
    • ED Jaelan Phillips
    • ED Azeez Ojulari
    • WR Jahan Dotson
    • DL Brandon Graham
    • P Braden Mann
    • ED Joshua Uche
    • CB Adoree Jackson
    • TE Kylen Granson
    • G Matt Pryor
    • RB A.J. Dillon
    • OT Fred Johnson
    • LB Nakobe Dean
    • ED Ogbonnia Okronkwo
    • G Brett Toth
    • S Marcus Epps
    • QB Sam Howell
    • TE Grant Calcaterra
    • FB Ben VanSumeren

    There’s a few positions that stand out the most.  Including the Tight End room with 3 of the main rostered tight ends set to hit the open market. leaving E.J. Jenkins, Cameron Latu and Jaheim Bell as the only TE signed through the 2026 season.  

    The other major position of concern is Safety. Losing a defensive captain in Blankenship could be a heavy blow to the Eagles strong defensive unit. With Mukuba returning from a fractured ankle, and Sydney Brown having not taking a leap when given playing opportunity leaves the Eagles secondary thinner than it was last season. 

    There might be a handful of moves to come during the offseason, to nobodies surprise.

    Approaching The Draft

    The Eagles are always an active team during the offseason. After winning the Super Bowl in 2025, the Eagles made a total of 6 trades before and during the draft. The first 2 being moves that acquired draft capital moving C.J. Gardner-Johnson as well as Kenny Pickett. The next 4 took place during the draft that included moving up to acquire Jihaad Campbell, as well as trading up and back in the draft. Securing players like Ty Robinson and Mac McWilliams. 

    Similarly, the Eagles made two trades prior to the 2024 NFL draft, acquiring Kenny Pickett and moving on from Haason Reddick. They went on to make an additional EIGHT trades during the draft that helped them acquire players like Cooper DeJean and multiple trade backs that helped re-stock future drafts while acquiring Jalyx Hunt, Will Shipley and more. 

    With a few weeks to go before players are able to make agreements with other teams. Who do you think the Eagles will re-sign before the legal tampering period begins?

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    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • RECAP: Another Close Call For the Eagles. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    The Buffalo Bills may have had a fierce defense during their years of being at the top of the AFC when the Eagles visited them for that thrilling shootout in December of 1990 — but on Sunday night it was the Eagles who brought the suffocating defense against those Buffalo Bills — while at the same time holding one of the best running backs in the league to just seventy-four yards in James Cook III.

    For the Bills — the rain and sleet was the least of their worries. Buffalo was the latest NFL offense to be totally stymied by the Eagles yards-denying defense. In the first quarter — Bills quarterback Josh Allen fumbled while attempting to avoid a hit by Jaelen Phillips. Jihaad Campbell recovered at mid-field for the Eagles. Philadelphia then scored on a one-yard pass play on a Hurts to Goedert connection after a couple of pass connections between Jalen and AJ Brown.

    The Eagles pulled out to a 13–0 lead at halftime. In the second half though — fortunes would change as Philadelphia was held to just sixteen yards of total offense.

    In the third quarter — Buffalo began to mount a furious comeback. After Josh Allen was stopped on 4th and Goal from the three-yard line — he then ran for a score from the 2-yard line with just over five minutes left in the game but the extra point blocked by Jalen Carter. With eight seconds left— Allen pushed in again from the the one — and then missed on a connection with Khalil Shakir for the two-point conversion.

    A fight broke out after Eagles Defensive Tackle Jalen Carter poked Spencer Brown in the eye — leading to a scuffle between the teams that continued into the tunnel after the game.

    Nick Sirianni also let his emotions be known — all caught on video.

    The post RECAP: Another Close Call For the Eagles. appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • As the NFC Playoff Picture Unfolds — New Talent Shines On An Existing Unit. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    If the Philadelphia Eagles are going to return to the Super Bowl this year and create yet another chapter in the quest for an Eagles dynasty — it’s going to start in the trenches. The Eagles aren’t just built for Tush Pushes — they are built to compete in the trenches each game — which means that they are positioned to win each game.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    When the 6–3 Detroit Lions take the field at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday night — DJ. Reader and Aiden Hutchinson and Detroit’s Defensive Line will not be the only focus on the line. One offense, the Eagles are once again making a late-season push by opening up more and more holes against opposing defenses who are trying to key on Saquon Barkley. On defensive, they have now assembled a unit that will be utilizing an old playbook.

    It’s only been nine months since the Eagles Defensive Line dominated Super Bowl LIX — pressuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes for six sacks and completely owning the Chiefs Offensive Line. It wasn’t just a performance of NFL lore — it was an audition for players like Josh Sweat and Milton Williams to sign large contracts elsewhere.

    Nine months later — in the same week that former Eagles All-Pro Defensive Tackle Clyde Simmons was inducted in the 2025 Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame — the 6–2 Philadelphia Eagles began the second act of the 2025–2026 NFL Season by starting four former 1st Round Selections against the Green Bay Packers. Not even a short retirement could take away Brandon Graham’s place as the longest-tenured Eagle after having been selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. No matter what happens this season — his legacy of excellence over fifteen years — helping the Eagles to three Super Bowl appearances and winning two will always make him one of the best that this city has ever seen.

    University of Georgia’s Nolan Smith returned from IR for his first game against the Packers. Smith was drafted Number 30 overall in 2023. In that same Draft — the Eagles acquired Jalen Carter with the overall 9th overall selection.

    Perhaps the biggest splash before the deadline was the addition of former Miami Dolphins Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips. In Phillips — the Eagles also get another former first-round pick from the Miami Dolphins paired along with recently un-retired Brandon Graham in exchange for a 2026 third-round Draft Pick.

    And the Eagle who recovered the Josh Jacobs fumble with 1:26 remaining in the game? That was Jaelan Phillips.

    The post As the NFC Playoff Picture Unfolds — New Talent Shines On An Existing Unit. appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • A Line Of the Very Best – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    •••

    It’s only been nine months since the Eagles Defensive Line dominated Super Bowl LIX — pressuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes for six sacks and completely owning the Chiefs Offensive Line. It wasn’t just a performance of NFL lore — it was an audition for players like Josh Sweat and Milton Williams to sign large contracts elsewhere.

    Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) makes a tackle on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) makes a tackle on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

    Nine months later — in the same week that former Eagles All-Pro Defensive Tackle Clyde Simmons was inducted in the 2025 Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame — the 6–2 Philadelphia Eagles began the second act of the 2025–2026 NFL Season by starting four former 1st Round Selections against the Green Bay Packers. Not even a short retirement could take away Brandon Graham’s place as the longest-tenured Eagle after having been selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. No matter what happens this season — his legacy of excellence over fifteen years —helping the Eagles to three Super Bowl appearances and winning two will always make him one of the best that this city has ever seen.

    University of Georgia’s Nolan Smith returned from IR for his first game against the Packers. Smith was drafted Number 30 overall in 2023. In that same Draft — the Eagles acquired Jalen Carter with the overall 9th overall selection.

    Perhaps the biggest splash before the deadline was the addition of former Miami Dolphins Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips. In Phillips — the Eagles also get another former first-round pick from the Miami Dolphins paired along with recently un-retired Brandon Graham in exchange for a 2026 third-round Draft Pick.

    And the Eagle who recovered the Josh Jacobs fumble with 1:26 remaining in the game? That was Jaelan Phillips.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • A Nail-Biter In the Frozen Tundra. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Almost sixty-five years after Jim Taylor was tackled by Chuck Bednarik at the eight-yard line to give the Eagles their third World Championship 17–13 at Franklin Field — the Eagles squeaked out a 10–7 win in Green Bay on Monday night.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    For the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers — the contest was as close as it could be on Monday night. Miscues by both team led to the game only being separated by a 3–0 advantage. The Packers drove into Eagles territory on the first drive of the third quarter but a long pass play — Love to Cameron Wicks — was nullified by a penalty. On the insuing drive — Hurts found Saquon Barkley for a 41-yard screen pass. On the next play — Hurts found DeVonta Smith for a 36-yard score to take a 10–0 lead.

    The Eagles then followed by holding off the Packers in the last eight minutes of the game. Josh Jacobs scored for Green Bay with only 5:49 left in the fourth quarter. At times — it appeared that Philadelphia had won the game. With 4:52 left in the game — Hurts found Devonta Smith on a 3rd and 12 to move the chains. But the two could not connect on a 3rd down and eight in the same drive. The Eagles stopped the Packers on 4th down with only 1:26 left on the clock and Jaelan Phillips recovered a Josh Jacobs fumble. With less than a minute left in the game — the Eagles went for it on fourth and eight with an incomplete pass down the sideline to AJ Brown.

    Brandon McManus’ game-tying field goal floated wide as time expired to give the Eagles the win.

    The post A Nail-Biter In the Frozen Tundra. appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • How The Eagles Fared During The Bye Week – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    It feels good to finally have Eagles football, or practice, back for now. With an extra day off before a trip to Green Bay on MNF, the Eagles have had 15 days since their last game. 

    For a team that didn’t play last weekend, the Eagles came out huge winners of both the trade deadline, and the NFC Standings. 

    Trade Deadline Shopping

    While being rumored (again) to pay the price for Myles Garrett. The Eagles managed to escape the trade deadline without blowing any major capital, and still were able to take advantage of the Jets fire sale. 

    Michael Carter was acquired from the New York Jets alongside a 2027 7th round pick. The Eagles sent back WR John Metchie and a 2027 6th round pick. Acquiring depth in the secondary gives the opportunity to move Cooper DeJean outside and Carter into the slot. We’ll have to wait and see if Carter was acquired to get serious reps, or bolster a position recently tattered with injuries. 

    Jaire Alexander was traded from the Baltimore Ravens. Also coming to Philadelphia is a 2027 7th round pick. For the grand total of a 2026 6th round pick. This move provides the Eagles a 3rd option at CB2 between Kelee Ringo & Adoree Jackson, and still keeps Cooper DeJean in the slot. 

    Jaelan Phillips was the Eagles biggest move before the Tuesday deadline. Only costing a 3rd round pick, the Eagles acquired a 26 year old OLB that has totaled 26 sacks in 5 seasons. Missing time due to injury is a concern, but with multiple DL players returning this weekend the Eagles depth provides plenty of rotational options. 

    The Eagles escaped the deadline acquiring 3 players, and still hold 5 picks heading into the 2026 Draft next April. Including a Jets 3rd round pick and projected to acquire 3 Comp picks in the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds.

    Returning From Injury

    On top of their trade deadline additions to the team. The Eagles have also managed to get healthy just in time for another gauntlet in the schedule.

    Opening the practice window for Jakorian Bennett, Willie Lampkin and Nolan Smith in the previous weeks provided the Eagles time to juggle their active roster and the practice squad, with depth returning at the right time. 

    With A.J. Brown missing another game this season, add in a concern to Saquon’s health at the end of the Giants game prior to the Bye. There was major concern what the Eagles injury report would look like coming off the Bye week. 

    The good news is, nearly everyone has returned from injury as the following players were full participants

    • Moro Ojomo
    • Saquon Barkley
    • A.J. Brown
    • Jakorian Bennett
    • Nolan Smith
    • Willie Lampkin

    The only players who were DNP at Fridays practice were Adoree Jackson & Cam Jurgens. After giving Dickerson a few weeks of rest, perhaps Jurgens getting some extra time will allow the Eagles Offensive Line to return to being what it once was. The best in the league.

    A Successful Bye Week

    During the Bye, the Eagles jumped all the way up to the #1 seed in the NFC, as most teams that played managed to the Eagles a favor. 

    Even following the Giants game Week 8, the Eagles had some help from their NFC East Rivals. 

    • The Commanders lost 7-28 to the Chiefs and fell to 3-5
    • The Cowboys got blown out by the Broncos 44-24 and fell to 3-4-1

    In Week 9, the following teams helped the Eagles climb the standings 

    • The Vikings (4-4) held on to beat their division rival Lions 27-24(5-3)
    • Carolina (5-4) managed to upset the Packers and send them to 5-2-1
    • Seattle took care of business and sent Washington to 3-6 following a 38-14 rout
    • Jacoby Brissett gave us the icing on the cake, with a 27-17 win over the Cowboys. Sending the 2nd placed team in the NFC East to 3-5-1.

    With an opportunity to grow their lead on the division, and the rest of the NFC with a trip to Green Bay. Will the Eagles come out on top against a Packers team struggling to play their best football?

    Go Birds. 

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    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • Rumor: Eagles ‘would like to trade’ for Dolphins EDGE Jaelan Phillips

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    According to a report from Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, the Philadelphia Eagles are interested in Miami Dolphins edge defender Jaelan Phillips.

    Wolfe covered the Dolphins from 2018 to 2021.

    Phillips was a Dolphins first-round pick (18th overall) in 2021. He was drafted two years before Vic Fangio’s one-year tenure as Miami’s defensive coordinator in 2023, but as noted by Wolfe above, Fangio did coach him for one season. 

    Phillips’ career stats:

     Jaelan Phillips Tackles  Sacks  FF-FR 
    2021 (17 games) 42  8.5  0-1 
    2022 (17 games) 61  7  1-2 
    2023 (8 games) 43  6.5  0-0 
    2024 (4 games) 6  1  0-0 
    2025 (9 games) 25  3  0-1 

    Phillips was having a breakout season under Fangio in 2023, when he had 6.5 sacks in 8 games, but that season was cut short by a torn Achilles. In 2024, Phillips tore an ACL that ended his season after just four games.

    Injuries are not new to Phillips, who was a big-time prospect coming out of high school. He was ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports, No. 3 by ESPN Recruiting, and No. 6 by Rivals. He initially enrolled at UCLA, but suffered multiple injuries, plus a moped accident that severely damaged his wrist. He actually retired at one point while in college. Phillips would eventually transfer to Miami and return to football, missing the 2019 season. He had a good 2020 season, though, and became a first-round pick.

    Dianni Russini reported that the Dolphins are looking for at least a third-round pick for Phillips. (She also reported the Eagles’ interest in Phillips.)

    Phillips is playing on his fifth-year option in 2025, at $13,251,000. Any team trading for Phillips would be on the hook for roughly half of that.

    If the Dolphins think they’re getting a third-round pick for a player with a career season high of 8.5 sacks who tore his Achilles and an ACL in consecutive seasons, and who is only under contract for the rest of this season, then they are high. A mid-Day 3 pick is a more realistic price tag.

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    Jimmy Kempski

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  • 2 Trade Candidates Linked To Detroit Lions

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    The Detroit Lions might be on their bye week, but the NFL trade deadline buzz is heating up, and according to ESPN analysts Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler, two defensive standouts have been linked to Detroit as potential fits: Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen and Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

    Let’s break down why both players make sense for Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s roster as the Lions push toward a deep playoff run.

    Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks

    The Buzz

    According to multiple league executives, Riq Woolen has quietly been on the trade radar for months. One executive told Fowler,

    “They’ve been wanting to move him for a while. He doesn’t fit what [Mike Macdonald] wants to do.”

    Woolen’s name being floated isn’t entirely shocking, the Seahawks’ defensive scheme under Macdonald emphasizes zone coverage and assignment discipline, whereas Woolen’s best work comes when he’s allowed to play press-man and use his length to disrupt routes.

    The Fit in Detroit

    That’s exactly why Detroit makes so much sense. The Lions, under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, have leaned more heavily on aggressive man coverage this season. Adding a rangy outside corner like Woolen could give the defense another vertical stopper and improve matchup flexibility.

    At 6-foot-4 with elite 4.26 speed, Woolen fits the mold of the long, physical defensive backs Brad Holmes covets. His combination of size and athleticism would complement Detroit’s young secondary, which has battled injuries and inconsistency.

    The Tape

    Bowen noted:

    “A fourth-year pro with a 6-foot-4 frame and elite speed, Woolen has 11 interceptions and 30 pass breakups in his career. Inconsistent tackling and lapses in eye discipline have prevented him from reaching his ceiling, but Woolen has the physical traits to help a defense majoring in man coverage.”

    Translation: if Kelvin Sheppard can coach up his technique and tackling, Woolen could thrive in Detroit’s culture, where physicality and accountability are non-negotiable.

    Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami Dolphins

    The Buzz

    The other name connected to Detroit is Jaelan Phillips, a former first-round pick from Miami who’s flashed elite potential when healthy. Both he and Bradley Chubb have reportedly been mentioned in trade conversations, but Fowler noted:

    “Multiple teams I spoke with believe that Phillips would hold more value than Chubb due to upside. A string of injuries stalled his rising star status, but he’s working his way back.”

    Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, however, pushed back on the speculation, saying last week that any Miami trade rumors are “baseless, currently.” Still, smoke like this tends to have some fire, especially when cap numbers and roster balance come into play.

    The Fit in Detroit

    If you’re Brad Holmes, you’re always listening on young, controllable edge talent. The Lions already have Aidan Hutchinson, but pairing him with someone like Phillips would give Detroit one of the most explosive pass-rush duos in the NFC.

    Phillips is just 25, stands 6-foot-5, and when healthy, has the length and burst to wreck games. His ability to both set the edge and attack the pocket fits perfectly within Detroit’s front, which thrives on versatility and relentless pursuit.

    The Tape

    Bowen described Phillips as:

    “A long 6-5 frame… can play as both an edge setter and a pocket disrupter. He has 25 sacks and 117 pressures over his five-year career.”

    With DJ Reader and Alim McNeill anchoring the interior and Jack Campbell improving as a blitzer, adding Phillips could make Detroit’s front seven downright scary heading into the stretch run.

    The Bottom Line

    The Detroit Lions aren’t desperate, but they’re close to being elite. Adding a long-term corner like Riq Woolen or a dynamic pass rusher like Jaelan Phillips could be the kind of move that puts them over the top in the NFC race.

    Brad Holmes has been patient, but he’s also aggressive when he sees a fit. If the Lions want to solidify their Super Bowl push, either of these two defenders would fit the grit, toughness, and upside that define this era of Detroit football.

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    Don Drysdale

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