With the Miami Dolphins playing as poorly as they have to start the season, now 0-3 after a Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills, it remains uncertain just how many players could get traded. The Dolphins have multiple assets they could look to move, given theyâre a talented team, but just haven’t played well as a unit.Â
If the Dolphins decide to move on from some of their top players, Jaelan Phillips could be a name to watch. Throughout much of Phillipsâ career, he’s been excellent for the Dolphins, but heâs also suffered multiple season-ending injuries, which likely hurts his value around the league. Had Philips not dealt with his injuries, he’d be widely regarded as one of the best edge rushers in the NFL.Â
But there’s still reason to believe that Phillips could be a decent piece for a contending team, with the Detroit Free Press noting that the Detroit Lions should be one of the teams interested in him. They named five potential trade candidates after Marcus Davenport’s injury, with Philips making the list.Â
âPhillips was the 18th overall pick by Miami in the 2021 NFL Draft. After playing in 17 games in each of his first two seasons (15½ sacks combined), he played in eight games in 2023 with 6½ sacks and four in 2024 with one sack. He has nine tackles in three games for the 0-3 Dolphins. He is playing on the final year of his rookie deal,â Marlowe Alter wrote.
Would Dolphins Trade Jaelan Phillips?
Saying Phillips is a trade candidate isn’t coming out of the blue, either, with ESPN’s Dan Graziano naming him one of the players who could be dealt. The Miami Dolphins had others on the list, too, including Tyreek Hill.
âAnother 2021 first-round pick playing out his fifth-year option with no deal beyond 2025, Phillips could be a very interesting target for pass-rush-needy teams if the Dolphins fall out of contention and decide they aren’t going to keep him long term.
âHe has had trouble staying healthy, but he’s healthy right now, and a prorated portion of his $13.251 million salary wouldn’t be too onerous in a league in which everyone’s always looking for edge rushers. Phillips had 15.5 sacks over his first two seasons in the NFL before injuries limited him to 12 games over the next two years,â he wrote.
Does Jaelan Phillips to the Lions Make Sense?
Regarding his fit with the Detroit Lions, if Phillips is healthy, which he’s shown for other parts of his time with the Miami Dolphins, he’d be a perfect edge next to Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions’ defense was excellent on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens, demonstrating why they should be considered contenders.Â
However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that they could still use some help, which is why FanSidedâs Brad Berreman believes the Lions have a perfect trade target that fell into their laps with Phillips.
âIf the Lions are going to trade for an edge rusher, Phillips checks all the boxes. At 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, he fits the physical profile they want at the position. He has been a solid run defender over the course of his career, along with being a productive pass rusher when healthy,â he wrote.
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