### Miami Dolphins Trade Jaelan Phillips to Eagles, Sign Andre Carter II The Miami Dolphins have made significant roster changes ahead of the NFL trade deadline, trading edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move comes as the Dolphins, struggling with a 2-7 record, appear to be entering a rebuilding phase. In response to Phillips' departure, the Dolphins have signed linebacker Andre Carter II from the Detroit Lions' practice squad to bolster their defense. This trade marks the first major move by interim general manager Champ Kelly, signaling a shift in the team's strategy as they look to the future [https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-news/111171/miami-dolphins-add-linebacker-to-replace-jaelan-phillips, https://apnews.com/article/jaelan-phillips-trade-dolphins-eagles-06f6185cea52e64f40f7fc2b93c138f2]. ### Breakdown of the Trade and Its Implications 1. **Trade Details**: - The Dolphins traded Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles for a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft [https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dolphins-trade-jaelan-phillips-eagles-nfl-deadline-philadelphia-pass-rush]. - Phillips, a former first-round pick, had been a key player for Miami, recording 6.5 sacks in the previous season [https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/jaelan-phillips-joins-eagles-what-nfl-trade-means-philadelphias-defence-1752078]. 2. **Eagles' Strategy**: - The Eagles, currently 6-2 and defending Super Bowl champions, are aggressively enhancing their roster to secure a playoff position. They also acquired cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander in recent trades [https://apnews.com/article/nfl-trade-deadline-f888eb6f2e74aad7cfc27f914681e99f]. - Phillips is expected to significantly improve the Eagles' pass rush, which has struggled this season [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/news/philadelphia-eagles-acquiring-jaelan-phillips-trade-miami-dolphins/45fb8a2ebe0884b69f18edb9]. 3. **Dolphins' Future Outlook**: - The Dolphins' decision to trade Phillips is seen as a necessary step towards rebuilding, as they look to acquire more draft capital and develop younger talent [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/dolphins-trading-jaelan-phillips-to-eagles-is-necessary-for-the-future-10982085]. - The addition of Andre Carter II is part of their strategy to fill the gap left by Phillips and maintain defensive depth [https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-news/111171/miami-dolphins-add-linebacker-to-replace-jaelan-phillips]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Jaelan Phillips' Performance**: - In the 2021 season, Phillips recorded 6.5 sacks and 43 tackles in just eight games, showcasing his potential as a top-tier edge rusher [https://www.apnews.com/article/jaelan-phillips-trade-dolphins-eagles-06f6185cea52e64f40f7fc2b93c138f2]. - **Eagles' Defensive Needs**: - The Eagles' defense has only managed 16 sacks through eight games this season, highlighting the need for a player like Phillips to enhance their pass rush [https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dolphins-trade-jaelan-phillips-eagles-nfl-deadline-philadelphia-pass-rush]. ### Conclusion: Strategic Moves for Both Teams In summary, the trade of Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins to the Philadelphia Eagles represents a pivotal moment for both franchises. 1. **Dolphins' Rebuilding Phase**: - The Dolphins are clearly in a rebuilding mode, trading away a key player for future draft capital and signing a new linebacker to maintain competitiveness [https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-news/111171/miami-dolphins-add-linebacker-to-replace-jaelan-phillips]. 2. **Eagles' Championship Aspirations**: - The Eagles are making bold moves to strengthen their roster as they aim for another Super Bowl run, with Phillips expected to play a crucial role in their defensive strategy [https://apnews.com/article/nfl-trade-deadline-f888eb6f2e74aad7cfc27f914681e99f]. This trade not only reshapes the immediate future of both teams but also sets the stage for their respective strategies moving forward in the NFL landscape.