Commanders Named Top Landing Spot for Eagles' Star Defender

Washington could steal a key pass rusher from their NFC East rival.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Washington Commanders are reportedly the top landing spot for Jaelan Phillips, a 2021 first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Phillips, a talented pass rusher, is set to hit free agency, and the Commanders are seen as the frontrunner to sign him away from the Eagles.

Why it matters

The Commanders had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last season, ranking 23rd in pass-rush win rate. Signing Phillips would immediately upgrade their defensive front and provide an impact player opposite Dorance Armstrong. Taking a key defender from a division rival would also be a major coup for Washington.

The details

Phillips, 26, had a strong 2025 season for the Eagles, posting a 77.1 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus while recording 28 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 7 QB hits, 4 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble in 8 games. He's considered a well-rounded edge defender who can impact the game both as a pass rusher and against the run. The Commanders have the cap space to sign Phillips, and with their top pass rushers from 2025 (Von Miller and Jacob Martin) set to hit free agency, he would be an ideal replacement.

  • Phillips was traded to the Eagles at the 2025 NFL trade deadline.
  • The Commanders have the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A 26-year-old edge defender who was a 2021 first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins and was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

Von Miller

A future Hall of Fame pass rusher who led the Commanders in sacks in 2025 but is set to hit free agency.

Dorance Armstrong

A key pass rusher for the Commanders who missed the end of the 2025 season due to a knee injury.

Adam Peters

The general manager of the Washington Commanders.

Daronte Jones

The new defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.

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What’s next

The Commanders will need to outbid the Eagles and other suitors to sign Jaelan Phillips when free agency opens.

The takeaway

The Commanders have a prime opportunity to significantly upgrade their pass rush this offseason by signing Jaelan Phillips, a talented young edge defender who could provide an immediate impact opposite Dorance Armstrong. Luring Phillips away from the division-rival Eagles would be a major coup for Washington.