Money Talked, Phillips Walked

Less than an hour into the NFL’s legal tampering window forced the Eagles to pivot to a contingency plan after reportedly losing their prized free agent.

Per multiple reports, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips is heading to Carolina, inking a blockbuster four-year, $120 million deal, with $80 million guaranteed. With the Panthers, a playoff team last season, Phillips adds to a defensive front that includes stalwart defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

Phillips was a priority for the Eagles, who coughed up a third-round pick at the trade deadline in anticipation of another Super Bowl run, but the price tag proved too costly, likely far exceeding the team’s walkway number.

In eight regular season games, Phillips racked up 28 tackles (four for loss), two sacks and seven quarterback hits. He also accounted for a forced fumble and fumble recovery across his 387 snaps. While his sack total hardly jumps off the page, there was more than meets the eye with Phillips. For one, Phillips’ pressure rate was extremely high. His presence necessitated extra attention and teammates reaped the benefits, namely fellow pass rusher Jalyx Hunt, who logged 5.5 sacks down the stretch. Phillips, a valuable two-way player, also was a force against the run.

He was only with the Eagles for a short time before leaving, as trade acquisition Jaelan Phillips will reportedly sign with Carolina for major money.

Still, it would have been a steep price for the Eagles to pay. Phillips, 27, boasts an extensive injury history dating back to college — including being hit by a car while riding a moped — and sustained Achilles and knee injuries as a member of the Miami Dolphins.

That’s not to underplay what Phillips meant to the Eagles during his three-month stay. He was valued inside the building and gelled with teammates. From a personnel standpoint, Phillips embodied every quality the organization pride itself on seeking in player procurement.

It’s a well deserved contract for Phillips, but the Eagles must now identify alternative methods to building their edge rusher room. As far as free agents go, there’s Bradley Chubb — who will be 30 by the start of training camp, but has familiarity with coordinator Vic Fangio – along with Boye Mafe and Odafeh Oweh.

The team could also explore the trade market, where Vikings are reportedly open to trading pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.

The upcoming NFL draft is another avenue to restore the room. Should the Eagles look to pounce early, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk could be a name to watch, as he’s expected to fall within range.

In other Eagles news, the team renegotiated the contract of DB Michael Carter II, a league source confirmed. It’s important to note that the team never released Carter II. He remained on the team.

The Eagles sent a WR John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Jets ahead of the trade deadline in exchange for Carter II and a seventh-round pick. Carter II appeared in eight regular season contests (one start), compiling 10 tackles across 106 defensive snaps. A multifaceted defensive back who can play nickel or safety, Carter II will serve as a valuable backend piece in 2026.

“When you talk about Michael Carter, the guy has played at an elite level inside, so that gives you flexibility there,” said executive vice president/general manager Howie Roseman following the trade deadline.

“Incredibly sharp guy, Joe Kasper coached him at Duke. He could play safety, which is really important. I think that we’ve always had that piece of a guy who could play nickel and also come into the game and play safety. Last year, we had that with Avonte [Maddox], and so it gives that flexibility. Obviously, Coop [is an] incredible player and somebody who can play really anywhere in the secondary. So, it gives you those matchups.”

Also, according to ESPN, wide receiver Jahan Dotson is leaving to sign a two-year deal with the Falcons.

The trade that brought Dotson to Philadelphia two seasons ago was steep, costing the Eagles a third-round pick and a pair seventh round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the team (unsurprisingly) declined his fifth-year option last spring. Sparsely utilized during his two-year stay, Dotson – who functioned as the Eagles’ third wide receiver – combined for 37 receptions for 478 yards and a touchdown (69 targets) over 34 regular season games.

The 25-year-old came through for the Eagles during the postseason run to the Super Bowl, accounting for 53 yards – 27 of which came in Super Bowl LIX – and a touchdown on three receptions.

Speaking to Dotson at locker cleanout, he mentioned he enjoyed his time with the Eagles, and learned a lot playing alongside “two of the best receivers in the league.”

He would also add:

“But I’m ready to maximize my talent, because I know I have a lot of good football ahead of me. I know I can help a football team win a lot of games, and I’m ready to do that.”

He gets a good deal and opportunity in Atlanta.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com