Cowboys Stunned as Eagles Snatch Jaelan Phillips at Trade Deadline
The Dallas Cowboys found themselves on the losing end of a critical trade deadline battle, as their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, swooped in to secure Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips.
A Missed Opportunity for Dallas
With the NFL trade deadline looming, the Cowboys were rumored to be in pursuit of several key defensive players, including the star duo from Miami. However, Dallas owner Jerry Jones and his team were unable to finalize a deal, allowing the Eagles to capitalize on the opportunity.
On Monday morning, ESPN reported that Philadelphia had acquired Phillips in exchange for a third-round pick in 2026. This move marks Philadelphia’s third acquisition focused on bolstering their defense in just under a week, demonstrating a strategic aggressiveness that the Cowboys failed to match.
Eagles’ Strategic Maneuvers
Prior to landing Phillips, the Eagles were busy reshaping their defensive lineup. They recently traded a sixth-round pick in 2026 to the Baltimore Ravens for cornerback Jaire Alexander and another seventh-round pick. Additionally, they moved wide receiver John Metchie III along with a sixth-round pick in 2027 to secure cornerback Michael Carter II from the New York Jets.
Both teams recognized the need for upgrades at defensive end and cornerback, but the Eagles were clearly more proactive in making their desires a reality.
Jerry Jones Under Scrutiny
The failure to acquire Phillips has cast a shadow over Jerry Jones’ decision-making. This latest setback resonates particularly with fans, especially after Jones’ recent remarks about financial considerations in a Wall Street Journal interview. He stated, “There’s $100 billion present value with gas out there. That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense with the Dallas Cowboys.” This sentiment has fueled frustration among supporters who expected a more hands-on approach in addressing the team’s needs.
The Cowboys’ pass rush has struggled significantly, especially following the controversial trade of Micah Parsons, which was exacerbated by Jones’ hesitation in negotiations. The window for improvement is still open ahead of the Tuesday trade deadline, but fans are left hoping this serves as a wake-up call for Jones and the front office.
Future Moves and Remaining Targets
Despite the setback with Phillips, the Cowboys still have a chance to bolster their roster before the deadline. NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that Dallas is anticipated to be “aggressive” in their pursuit of talent. While their interest in Phillips was evident, questions remain about their enthusiasm for injury-prone players.
Since 2022, Phillips has struggled to stay healthy, failing to complete a full season. His statistics reflect this inconsistency, with only 25 tackles and three sacks to his name this year, a stark contrast to his previous season where he recorded 61 tackles and seven sacks.
Another name still floating in the trade market is Bradley Chubb, another Dolphins pass rusher. The Cowboys may yet have an opportunity to make a significant move, but time is of the essence, and the deadline is fast approaching.
With the trade deadline set for Tuesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. ET, the pressure is on for the Cowboys to act decisively if they hope to fortify their defense and keep pace in a competitive NFC East.
