It was a poorly kept secret that the Philadelphia Eagles, given defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s history with the player, were interested in trading for Dolphins edge Jaelan Phillips before this year’s deadline.
That Philly got the deal done with plenty of time to spare should surprise absolutely no one. It’s why Howie Roseman is universally regarded as the best general manager in the NFL.
With top pass rusher Nolan Smith Jr. still managing a triceps injury, and the production from that group as a whole waning, Roseman had little choice but to give up a premium draft pick to land a potential difference-maker; Phillips qualifies, as the 26-year-old now leads all Eagles defenders in total QB pressures this season with 32, per Pro Football Focus.