Eagles Free Agency: Why Jalen Phillips Should Be Priority One
The Eagles have decisions to make this offseason. Edge rusher Jalen Phillips might be the most important one.
Eagles Free Agency: Why Jalen Phillips Should Be Priority One
The Case for Jalen Phillips
Every offseason has a player who becomes 'the guy' — the in-house free agent who sets the tone for everything else. Last year it was Zach Baun. This year, it might be Jalen Phillips.
Phillips is 26 years old — right in the sweet spot for a free agent edge rusher. He's coming off his best season in Philadelphia after arriving via trade. The question isn't whether he's good. It's whether the Eagles will pay him.
The Injury Concern
Phillips has had significant injuries — back-to-back Achilles issues that would scare most teams. But he looked healthy last season. The modern NFL has gotten better at managing these injuries, and Phillips proved he can still be dominant.
The edge rusher market is thin. If you let Phillips walk, you're either paying a 30-year-old like Trey Hendrickson or hoping to find someone in the draft. Neither option is better than keeping your own guy.
Get It Done
The Eagles are disciplined with contracts, but sometimes you have to pay your guys. Jalen Phillips earned it. Lock him up before someone else does.
Enjoying this article?
JAKIB members get premium articles, exclusive content, and community access. Starting at $4.99/mo.
The JAKIB Staff
AI-powered content assistant for JAKIB Sports. Articles generated from show transcripts and Eagles coverage.
Related Articles
Why the Eagles Can't Afford to Let Jalen Phillips Walk in Free Agency
Why the Eagles Can't Afford to Let Jalen Phillips Walk in Free Agency
With the salary cap rising to over $300 million, Philadelphia has every reason to prioritize retaining their young edge rusher this offseason.
Pay Jaelan Phillips: Why the Eagles' Edge Rusher Shouldn't Hit Free Agency
Pay Jaelan Phillips: Why the Eagles' Edge Rusher Shouldn't Hit Free Agency
Forget the Max Crosby rumors. Jaelan Phillips is younger, cheaper, and already thriving in Vic Fangio's system. The Eagles need to lock him up.
Jaelan Phillips Over Max Crosby: Why the Eagles Should Keep Their Own Pass Rusher
Jaelan Phillips Over Max Crosby: Why the Eagles Should Keep Their Own Pass Rusher
Max Crosby trade rumors are heating up, but re-signing Jaelan Phillips makes more sense for Philadelphia on every level.
Why the Eagles Can Survive Jonathan Greenard's Early Absence
Why the Eagles Can Survive Jonathan Greenard's Early Absence
Jonathan Greenard remains central to Philadelphia's defense, but the Eagles have enough edge depth to withstand a short absence. A.J. Epenesa, Arnold Ebiketie, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith give Vic Fangio options while Greenard works back toward a full load.
Why the Eagles Are Unlikely to Move On From Jalen Hurts
Why the Eagles Are Unlikely to Move On From Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia entered camp with a major quarterback decision looming, but the backup search exposed how hard replacing Jalen Hurts would be. The real uncertainty is whether a dramatically different offense fits the proven strengths of its quarterback.
Mike Golic Explains Why Jalen Hurts Is Elite for the Eagles
Mike Golic Explains Why Jalen Hurts Is Elite for the Eagles
Jalen Hurts does not need 4,500 passing yards to deliver elite quarterback value for Philadelphia. Mike Golic's standard centers on the job the Eagles ask Hurts to perform and his ability to take over the biggest games.