The Philadelphia Eagles are facing several roster decisions this offseason, but none will carry more importance than what the organization ultimately decides to do with Jaelan Phillips.
Philadelphia acquired the edge rusher in a midseason trade with the Miami Dolphins last year, hoping to add to a pass rush that needed some help. While Phillips didn’t impress statistically after the trade, he was still very good and was well-liked.
With free agency approaching and cap questions, the Eagles now find themselves weighing a difficult choice, as they could commit long-term, allow Phillips to walk, or pursue a short-term solution to re-sign him.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport believes that the third option could be the one on the table, naming Phillips as one of the league’s most likely franchise tag candidates.
“The Philadelphia Eagles brought in edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips in a mid-season deal with the Miami Dolphins last year. And while the 26-year-old had just two sacks in eight games for his new team, Phillips was excellent against the run and should be one of the most coveted free agents at a premium position this spring,” Davenport wrote.
Even without big sack numbers, Phillips’ ability to get to the quarterback has been seen a lot throughouthis career. Davenport also pointed out why a long-term deal may not be an easy decision.
“Phillips is entering the prime of his career and has no shortage of potential. But he also has a fairly extensive injury history—one that makes signing the five-year veteran to a long-term deal something of a risky proposition…
“The projected franchise tag for defensive ends isn't cheap--$26.6 million. The Eagles are also short on cap space, with $10.4 million in wiggle room,” Davenport noted.
That injury history complicates negotiations, though. While Phillips has shown Pro Bowl-level play during his career, his health remains a legitimate concern. That was certainly part of the reasonthe Dolphins decided to cut ties with him.
The franchise tag would provide short-term control without committing to multiple guaranteed years, which couldbe a good idea with his injury history.
We’ll see what happens, but it’d be unfortunate for a player of his caliber to wal after just a few months.