Jaelan Phillips makes feelings known on getting traded to Eagles after spending 4 years in Miami

The Philadelphia Eagles strengthened the edge rusher room after trading for Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins on Monday. The Dolphins received a 2026 third-round draft pick in the trade deal.

Phillips, who is expected to play in the Eagles' Monday Night Football clash against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, revealed he was not aware of the trade but is excited about joining the defending Super Bowl champions.

"It’s incredible," Phillips said. "I had no idea this was going to happen, but there's literally no other team I'd rather play for. Philly is a storied franchise, great tradition here, incredible team. I'm just excited to get to work with the guys. I'm super excited. It's going to be awesome.”

The Eagles' pass rushing room has been a concern for the defending champions, leading to three trades over the last seven days. The Eagles traded cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander last week.

The Dolphins selected Phillips in the 2021 NFL draft and he remained with the team until his move to the Eagles. The 26-year-old is in the last year of his contract and is expected to earn a $1.5 million salary with the Eagles.

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Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel reflects on losing Jaelan Phillips to Eagles

While Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged Jaelan Phillips' departure to the Eagles, he felt it was a decision the team had to make based on the compensation they received.

"I have a high regard and a lot of investment into Jaelan Phillips, and that part of the business I absolutely despise in terms of having to say goodbye to a player," McDaniel said. "That being said, I understand it was a trade that we got back compensation and I understand the value of that compensation."

Phillips is expected to hit free agency at the end of the season. The Dolphins are also expected to trade Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon ahead of the deadline.