Jets Eye Trade for Phillips to Boost Defensive Line
As the NFL season rolls into its fourth week, the landscape of the league is beginning to take shape. Some teams are looking ahead to the 2026 draft, while others have defied expectations and found early success. With the trade deadline still over a month away, speculation is rife about players potentially on the move. Currently, six teams are still seeking their first win: the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans.
Potential Sellers in the League
While some of these winless teams may become sellers as the deadline approaches, a couple of victories could shift their strategies. The landscape is fluid, and any team can pivot based on a string of wins. Recently, an analyst highlighted potential trades for each of these struggling franchises. For the Jets, the focus has turned to the Miami Dolphins and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Phillips as a Key Target
Phillips has been identified as a versatile asset who could significantly enhance the Jets’ defensive capabilities. Known for his ability to contribute both in pass-rushing and run defense, he could find a new lease on his career under the guidance of the Jets’ coaching staff.
A proposed trade package suggests:
New York Jets receive: Edge Jaelan Phillips
Miami Dolphins receive: 2026 fourth-round draft pick
Addressing Defensive Shortcomings
The Jets’ struggles in controlling the line of scrimmage have been glaring. Through the first few weeks of the season, ESPN Analytics reported that New York ranked 25th in pass-rush win rate at just 32 percent, and 19th in run-stop win rate at 30 percent. Phillips’ potential to reach his peak performance could be pivotal in addressing these deficiencies.
In an effort to fortify their defensive front, the Jets have already made moves to acquire players like Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs. However, the addition of Jaelan Phillips could represent a game-changing upgrade, allowing New York to reshape its defensive identity as the season progresses.
With the trade deadline on the horizon, the Jets’ pursuit of Phillips underscores their commitment to improving their roster and competitiveness in a challenging division.
