Newly acquired Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jaelan Phillips is very happy to be there. The Eagles acquired Phillips from the Miami Dolphins in a trade on Monday.
Phillips reunites with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, for whom he played in 2023; he also joins a star-studded defensive line and a young corps of pass rushers.
Phillips said Thursday that he has received a warm welcome from the city and his teammates, and is grateful for the opportunity at a pivotal moment in his career.
“I mean, talk to me now. Like, this is literally the greatest thing that’s happened to me in my whole life, probably ... everybody’s been super welcoming. I love the environment here, I love the vibe here, city of Philly giving me a very warm welcome,” he said.
“I got about 20 times the amount of Instagram likes that I ever got on a post before, from the Philly fans. ... It’s been great so far getting out there practicing. I love the weather here. I love the locker room. Like everything’s awesome.”
Phillips adds a veteran presence to a young Eagles pass rush, highlighted by 2024 third-round pick Jalyx Hunt, 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell, two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham, and journeyman Joshua Uche; along with interior defensive linemen Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Moro Ojomo. The Eagles will soon get back third-year pro Nolan Smith Jr., who is designated for return from injured reserve after a tricep injury in Week 3. Azeez Ojulari is also on IR.
Phillips’s locker is next to Graham’s, and he relishes the opportunity to play next to the Philly legend.
“BG has been awesome to me,” Phillips said. “He’s a legend in this league. We’ve been talking a lot every day already, and we have a lot in common, and he’s just been putting me on game to how this team is and what to expect, and we’re excited to play with each other for sure.”
As mentioned, Phillips also reunites with Fangio, who served as the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator in 2023. Phillips was limited to just eight games that year, but was on track for a career year with 43 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes defended, and an interception.
“Up front, I think we have a lot of freedom, a lot of ability to kind of just pin our ears back and have that aggressive rushing mindset ... I think a lot of that credit also goes to the other guys on the defensive line and on the defense in general. So, yeah, it’s looking great so far,” he said.
He did acknowledge that his role is still undefined at this early stage—Phillips has played mostly on the left side of the line throughout his career—but he would play wherever he needs to to help the team.
He also said there would be a learning curve, since he only spent one year in the defense and spent a year in a different scheme in between. But he is working as fast as he can to work on a plan with his teammates.
And while Fangio “isn’t a man of many words,” Phillips said that he and Fangio “understand each other.”
Phillips is at a pivotal moment in his career. He is in his final year of his rookie contract and is set to welcome a baby boy soon. Joining the Eagles would provide him with an opportunity to contribute to a contending team.
A reporter asked whether he would like to stay in Philly for the long haul.
‘Yeah, I mean, absolutely,“ he responded. ”I would just love to be in any position where I’m around great guys on a great team with a great culture, and that’s definitely what the Eagles organization is. If they would want to have me back, I would love to be here, but like I said, just taking it day by day. What’s most important is taking care of business right now.”
Phillips is also acquainted with Philadelphia, having encountered the Eagles during joint practices with the Dolphins. He praised the team for their toughness, grit, and physicality.
“I think everything is just kind of matching up for me to come in and try to be as productive as possible. Obviously, being able to be on a contender, hopefully going and winning another Super Bowl. I’m very blessed to be here and have this opportunity,” he said.
