At the NFL trade deadline, the Miami Dolphins traded edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Dolphins have been underwhelming, and decided to sell at the deadline.
Phillips called the trade “The greatest thing to happen to him in his life,” and even doubled down on the statement. After facing criticism for his reaction to the trade, he finally responded.
Jaelan Phillips Responds to Critics
On two occasions, Phillips called the trade the best thing to ever happen to him. This didn’t sit well with Miami fans, especially since he didn’t offer any parting words to fans, unlike most athletes who typically do so in social media posts when they’re traded.
After facing considerable criticism online, Phillips finally responded to those who had called out his behavior in Philadelphia. He said the following:
“If anyone would take the time to actually listen to interviews instead of making assumptions based on clickbait, they would realize that I’ve been nothing but humble and grateful for this opportunity to play for an incredible Eagles organization. I have never once said a single negative word about the Miami organization. I am grateful for my 5 years in Miami, but I am also saying that this is an exciting moment and opportunity in my life, and career. These things are not mutually exclusive. Thank you, go Birds.”
If anyone would take the time to actually listen to interviews instead of making assumptions based on clickbait, they would realize that I’ve been nothing but humble and grateful for this opportunity to play for an incredible Eagles organization. I have never once said a single… https://t.co/Xh5aRAsVZ5
— Jaelan Phillips ;🕴🏾® (@JJPhillips15) November 17, 2025
Whether or not there was clickbait used regarding him is a moot point. Dolphins fans are allowed to feel a certain way about his statements, just like he is allowed to feel that way. There was a lot of emotion behind the trade, considering the Dolphins drafted him in the 2021 NFL Draft with the 18th pick.
Regardless, Phillips is making an immediate impact for the Eagles. In PFSN’s Edge Impact ranking, he is ranked as the 26th best edge rusher this season, earning a letter grade of B-.
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In two games with the Eagles, Phillips has recorded 11 total tackles, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, one sack, and one fumble recovery. He’s providing the 9th-ranked defense in PFSN’s Defensive Impact rankings with a much-needed boost to the defensive line.
In his career, he’s recorded 27 sacks, 188 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 65 quarterback hits, seven passes defended, five fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception.
